Ruto-Sifuna Clash Explodes Over Dangote Refinery Deal
President William Ruto took a swipe at Linda Mwananchi Movement leader & Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, calling him an extortionist and claiming that former President Uhuru Kenyatta was using him to strong-arm the Kenyan government into handing over the agreement between Kenya & Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote over the construction of Dangote East Africa Refinery in Lamu County.
Out on the campaign trail in Taita Taveta and Mombasa counties on Thursday, Ruto – not one to mince his words – insisted he was not going to let anyone sabotage the project, pointing out that the Dangote cement project had stalled because of demands for payoffs.
“You know who I mean – that empty suit who thinks he’s some big shot just because he’s got a few fancy things,” Ruto said on Thursday. “They say he was going around on Tuesday asking where the agreement relating to Dangote’s business is. Now I take a look at Mr Empty over there, and it turns out he was sent by that patron of his to come and demand the document on the refinery deal. Well let me tell you Mr Empty, you want the agreement – you know exactly how you can get hold of it”
Ruto Challenges Sifuna Over Dangote Refinery Agreement
Ruto kept up the pressure on Sifuna, declaring that he wouldnt be handing over the document signed on Tuesday to the senator and other opposition leaders.
“You want the agreement Mr Empty ? – you know how to get it. Thats what theyre going to have to do, ask it in Parliament” Ruto shot back.
All this came as there are growing questions over the details of the agreement between the Kenyan government & Dangote, regarding the planned refinery project in Lamu County.
Ruto Revisits Dangote Cement Investment Dispute
The President brought up the failed Dangote cement project again – and the allegations of kickbacks and bribery that had swirled around it all those years ago.
Ruto took aim at his former boss, Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of being part of a cartel that had messed up Dangote’s original investment plans in the country.
“That deal you were so keen on, the one you did with Dangote, that’s the same one Dangote just lost his shirt over, the one that has left him unable to set up a cement plant here – and even unable to bother with a refinery. Thing is , you were too close to watch, I was there with my eyes open and I can tell you that was a big mistake if you know what I mean,” he said.
It was all part of a wider warning from Ruto that any attempts to meddle with the current Dangote refinery project would not be tolerated.
Ruto Accuses Sifuna of Extorting Governors
Ruto also had some choice words for Sifuna, accusing him of running a protection racket in parliament.
The President claimed that governors were being leaned on for bribes when they appeared before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC).
“Sifuna’s getting up in parliament one day and strong arming the governors, demanding cash – what is that all about? What values is some crook who’s busy shaking down the counties, shaking down devolution, and then daring to tell us about values? What values are you talking about, Sifuna?” Ruto asked.
These claims against Sifuna were made by Ruto on the spot, but we have no way of knowing if they’re true.
Nassir Weighs In on Dangote Refinery Row
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir jumped into the fray on the Dangote refinery controversy.
“If you try to take Dangote to court, we’re going to join as co-plaintiffs and throw all these extortionists in the fray with him.”
It all came as Ruto continued his tour of the coast, where he launched and inspected a number of new development projects along the way.
Ruto Continues Coast Tour
The Head of State had launched a number of projects in Taita Taveta and Mombasa counties, as his tour of the coastal region entered its sixth day.
The latest round of squabbling has just made it clear all over again that the proposed Dangote refinery in Lamu is right at the centre of the current row between Ruto, Sifuna and the other leaders – and the original deal between the government and Dangote is still very much under the spotlight.
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Ruto-Sifuna Clash Explodes Over Dangote Refinery Deal
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