Fred Matiang’i Calls on President Ruto to Answer Questions on Dangote Refinery

Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i addressed a gathering in Mombasa on Monday after meeting Kadu Asili leaders, urging President William Ruto to respond to Kenyan questions about government decisions.

He said citizens have a right to seek information and should not be discouraged, referring to a recent interview in which a journalist asked Ruto about former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s claims on mineral exploitation and criticizing the President’s reply.

“I don’t know why you should be abused for asking that question especially when you are asking your leader,” Matiang’i said, adding that leaders must answer legitimate questions while maintaining respect, integrity and focus in public debate.

Matiang’i declared that Jubilee and the united opposition will continue to respect the Constitution while holding the government to account, and that they will keep questioning the Dangote oil refinery project in Lamu.

He called for an investigation of any wrongdoing surrounding the refinery and urged officials to arrest anyone who shakes down investors, stating that it is the government’s duty, not the public’s, to act.

While acknowledging possible security reasons for withholding sensitive information, he argued that parliamentary committees such as Energy, Finance or Trade should receive full disclosure of agreements with investors, and that departmental committees in the House can manage confidentiality before informing the public.

Rejecting claims that the opposition lacks an agenda, Matiang’i outlined a focus on the Coast Region Integrated Development, job creation and a different approach to resource management than the current administration.

He said that under his leadership there would be total transparency on mineral exploitation at Mrima, noting that if he were president, no debates would exist about concessions because everything would be known.

Matiang’i concluded that major government decisions must not be conducted in secrecy and that Parliament should play its oversight role over public resources and major investments.