Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has confirmed that the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed Dangote Oil Refinery in Lamu will proceed as planned on Wednesday, September 30, despite an ongoing court case over part of the project land.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

Speaking on Tuesday, September 29, during the welcoming of Rwanda’s maiden oil vessel at the Kipevu Oil Terminal in Mombasa, Wandayi said the government would proceed with the planned launch.

“Soon Kenya will provide a route for imported products as well as finished products. We will be launching the Dangote refinery in Lamu tomorrow,” Wandayi said.

The developments come after police fired tear gas as they clashed with residents in Lamu who were protesting the proposed Ksh2 trillion Dangote East Africa refinery project.

📌 What You Need to Know

The Tuesday morning protests were linked to demands by local residents for compensation before the planned groundbreaking of the East Africa Oil Refinery.

Meanwhile, Wandayi's remarks come after a Malindi Environment and Land Court issued temporary orders restricting activities on disputed portions of land where the refinery project is proposed.

The case was filed by Salim Tima Swale and 132 others, who asked the court to stop activities on the land pending the hearing and determination of their application.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke