Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has intensified his criticism of President William Ruto over the government’s handling of information relating to the proposed Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery in Lamu.
In a statement on Wednesday, October 7, Sifuna accused the government of frustrating attempts by Parliament to access documents concerning the multi-billion-shilling project.
He claimed that Ruto’s repeated calls for Kenyans to use formal channels to obtain government information were contradicted by resistance within Parliament.
Sifuna said the administration was aware that attempts to obtain state documents through Parliament would face obstacles.
He argued that efforts to secure information about the proposed Lamu refinery had encountered similar difficulties after he sought details through the Senate.
The Nairobi senator had on Friday, October 2, written to Senate Speaker Amason Kingi requesting a statement from the Standing Committee on Energy regarding the proposed refinery.
While acknowledging the importance of development and foreign investment, Sifuna maintained that major infrastructure projects must adhere to constitutional and legal requirements.
He said the Lamu refinery should meet standards on transparency, accountability, public participation and sustainable development, alongside environmental safeguards and proper management of public funds.
Sifuna cited Articles 201 and 227 of the Constitution, which provide for transparency and accountability in public finance and procurement.
He argued that information concerning the project’s financing, contracting arrangements and other financial dealings should be made available to the public to promote accountability and guard against corruption.
The senator called for the disclosure of critical information about the refinery before construction begins.
Among the details he wants made public are the project’s financial model, its anticipated impact on local communities, the government’s level of investment, public participation undertaken and environmental assessments.
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Sifuna also asked the Senate Energy Committee to table records relating to the project, invoking Article 35(3) of the Constitution on access to information.
He further demanded details of consultations with communities likely to be affected by the refinery, including concerns raised during the public participation process.
The senator also sought information on how the project will be financed and implemented, including the amount expected from Kenyan taxpayers and the source of government funding.
In addition, he called for a value-for-money assessment of any public investment in the project to establish whether the expenditure is justified.
Sifuna also wants the identities of the beneficial owners of the project and companies involved in its implementation disclosed.
He warned that the continued lack of transparency over the project was unacceptable and called for broader political changes ahead of the 2027 General Election.
