Constitutional lawyer Levi Munyeri has threatened to move to the High Court to stop the proposed Ksh2.59 trillion Dangote oil refinery in Lamu unless the government conducts public participation with residents before construction begins.

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In a statement shared on Wednesday, July 8, Munyeri gave President William Ruto's administration a one-week ultimatum, arguing that the Constitution requires public participation before implementing a project of such magnitude.

"Free advice to Ruto and his people. Pause, take a month and do public participation with the people of Lamu on the Dangote Oil Refinery. If you don't act accordingly within a week, I will petition the High Court to stop the planned construction," Munyeri stated.

He stressed that public participation goes beyond asking residents whether they support or oppose a project, saying the government has a duty to explain its significance and the benefits it would bring to the local community.

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Munyeri further argued that public participation is a constitutional requirement, warning that even well-intentioned government decisions could face legal challenges if constitutional procedures are ignored.

His remarks come a day after Dangote Industries confirmed that Lamu had been selected as the site for the 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery , ending speculation that the investment could be taken to neighbouring Tanzania.

The project has also previously attracted comments from Siaya Governor James Orengo, who had opposed reports suggesting the refinery would be established in Tanzania, insisting that such a strategic investment should remain in Kenya to create employment opportunities for Kenyan youth.

At the time, Orengo accused President William Ruto's administration of sidelining the Coast region by considering Tanzania, saying he would continue pushing for investments that directly benefit Kenyans. However, Dangote has since confirmed that the refinery will be built in Lamu.

Munyeri's legal threat has, however, drawn criticism from some Kenyans on social media, with several arguing that the project should proceed because of its anticipated economic benefits.

"I wonder why anyone, in the right state of mind, would want to oppose the construction of this refinery that will add a trillion shillings to the economy within the decade. It takes a madman to oppose this, and the people of Lamu would be insane to reject this," one user posted.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke