By George Omagbemi
NAIROBI — October 11, 2026. Kenyan presidential aspirant Patrick Osoi has warned Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote against proceeding with his proposed oil refinery project in Kenya, saying he would favour local investors if elected president in 2027.
Osoi made the remarks while addressing supporters at a Lions Movement event. In a video circulating online, he told Dangote not to rush the project, adding that Kenyan businesspeople could develop a refinery without relying on the Nigerian industrialist.
“When I’m sworn in as President of Kenya next year, you will be heading back to Nigeria,” Osoi said.
He also argued that Kenya had local investors capable of undertaking the project, although he did not provide details of how such an alternative would be financed or implemented.
Dangote’s proposed refinery, planned for Mokowe in Lamu County, is designed to process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The project is expected to serve Kenya and other East African markets, potentially reducing the region’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
Dangote and Kenyan President William Ruto attended the project’s groundbreaking ceremony on September 30, 2026. However, the development has encountered a legal challenge over land ownership, compensation and environmental concerns, with a Kenyan court ordering the parties to maintain the status quo.
Osoi’s comments introduce a political dimension to the debate over foreign investment and local participation in Kenya’s energy sector. His proposal, however, remains a campaign position rather than an established alternative to Dangote’s investment.
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