A Kenyan presidential aspirant, Patrick Osoi, has warned Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote against proceeding with his proposed oil refinery project in Kenya, declaring that he would prioritise local investors if elected president in 2027.
Key Highlights
- Kenyan presidential aspirant Patrick Osoi warned Aliko Dangote against proceeding with his Kenya refinery.
- Osoi said he would prioritise local investors if elected president in 2027.
- The proposed refinery at Mokowe, Lamu County, is designed to process up to 700,000 barrels daily.
- Dangote and President William Ruto reportedly attended the groundbreaking on September 30, 2026.
- A Kenyan court has reportedly ordered the status quo maintained over land and compensation disputes.
Osoi made the remarks while addressing supporters at a Lions Movement event, where he argued that Kenyan businesspeople have the capacity to develop a refinery without relying on the Nigerian industrialist.
In a video circulating online, the aspirant cautioned Dangote against rushing into the project, saying, “when I’m sworn in as President of Kenya next year, you will be heading back to Nigeria.”
He, however, did not outline how local investors would finance or implement an alternative refinery project.
About The Proposed Lamu Refinery
Dangote’s proposed refinery, planned for Mokowe in Lamu County, is designed to process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil daily.
The facility is expected to serve Kenya and other East African markets, with the potential to reduce the region’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
Dangote and Kenyan President William Ruto reportedly attended the project’s groundbreaking ceremony on September 30, 2026, marking a significant step in plans to expand the country’s petroleum refining capacity.
However, the project has faced legal challenges involving land ownership, compensation and environmental concerns. A Kenyan court has reportedly ordered the parties to maintain the status quo while the dispute is addressed.
Read also:
- Dangote Breaks Ground on $16 Billion Kenya Refinery, Targets 700,000 Barrels Per Day
- Dangote Lamu Refinery: Kenyan Court Orders Status Quo On Disputed Land Ahead Of Groundbreaking
Osoi’s comments have brought renewed attention to the debate over foreign investment, local participation and control of strategic industries in Kenya.
His position suggests that the proposed refinery could become an issue in the country’s 2027 presidential campaign, particularly regarding the role of foreign investors in major infrastructure projects.
Nevertheless, his call for local investors to take the lead remains a campaign position, with no detailed financing plan or alternative project disclosed in the remarks provided.
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