Jubilee Party presidential candidate Fred Matiang’i has urged the government to make public the agreement concerning the Dangote oil refinery planned for Lamu.

Speaking in Mombasa on Monday, October 5, Matiang’i said the agreement involves public resources and should be tabled before the relevant parliamentary committee for scrutiny.

He said commercial interests or claims of national security should not be used to shield significant agreements from public scrutiny, particularly those involving the country’s natural resources.

Call for transparency on refinery deal

Matiang’i also challenged the government to respond to allegations that Dangote was asked for money in connection with his investment in Kenya.

“At one point or other, I agree with my colleagues in the opposition who have raised these issues. We will ask questions and we will continue to ask questions about the oil refinery here. And the best way to deal with this is to answer the questions,” Matiang’i said.

He further called on the government to investigate the allegations and take action against anyone found to have attempted to solicit money from the Nigerian businessman.

“If, for example, there was a case where Dangote came here and he was shaken down, I don’t know why leaders of government would like to tell us stories. My message to them is simple: Act! If they have told you who shook them down, arrest them!”

Matiang’i said the responsibility to investigate such claims lies with the government.

“So who is supposed to arrest them? It’s not us Wananchi. You are the ones who are in office, you have the powers to act, please act!” he added.

His remarks come days after President William Ruto and Dangote broke ground for the proposed refinery in Lamu.

Details of the refinery project

The project is estimated to cost $16 billion and is expected to process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The government has described the investment as a major boost to industrial development and energy security.

Questions have, however, emerged over the terms of the agreement and Kenya’s commitments to the project, with calls for Parliament to scrutinise the deal.

Concerns over agreement terms

Matiang’i spoke as he began a week-long tour of the Coast, where he is expected to visit all six counties and engage residents and local leaders.

The tour comes as he seeks to consolidate his support ahead of the 2027 General Election and build a broader opposition coalition.

KADU Asili leader Mudzo Nzili has also reaffirmed his party’s support for Matiang’i’s presidential bid, while Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Beatrice Gambo welcomed the cooperation between the two parties.

Matiang’i is expected to continue his Coast tour throughout the week as he seeks to strengthen his political base ahead of the 2027 election.