“Lamu Will Be Built, Whether You Like It or Not” Ruto Fires Back at Refinery Critics

President William Ruto has defended the decision to build the Sh2.2 trillion Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery in Lamu, using a biblical comparison to Bethlehem to argue that the size of a location does not determine its future significance.

Speaking on Wednesday during the groundbreaking ceremony for the refinery, Ruto addressed critics who have questioned why the project was located in Lamu, one of Kenya's smaller counties.

The President compared Lamu with Bethlehem, the town traditionally identified in Christian scripture as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, arguing that places can gain global significance regardless of their size or population.

Ruto also issued a strong warning to those opposing the project's location, insisting that the refinery would be built in Lamu despite the criticism.

He urged local residents and business owners to prepare to take advantage of the opportunities expected to emerge from the investment, warning them not to complain later that they had not been informed about the project's potential benefits.

According to Ruto, the refinery is projected to create up to 60,000 direct and indirect jobs. He added that construction wages could reach Sh2 billion per month, potentially providing a major boost to the local economy.

The President also addressed concerns surrounding land rights, fishing, water access, the coastline and Lamu's cultural heritage.

He said the concerns were legitimate and promised that the government would ensure land issues were handled lawfully while enforcing environmental and social safeguards throughout the project's development.

Ruto said the refinery would be an important test of investor confidence in Kenya and expressed his government's commitment to ensuring that the project delivers economic benefits to Lamu and the wider country.