Kalonzo Musyoka has drawn online criticism after remarks defending the Opposition’s position on foreign investment, with some Kenyans questioning whether political disagreements should extend to projects expected to create jobs and generate tax revenue.
The Wiper leader said Kenya welcomes foreign investment but maintained that major deals must follow due process and benefit the wider public.
“Some claim that we in the Opposition oppose everything, even foreign investment in Kenya. That is not true. We welcome investment. What we demand is due process. We will not support deals that enrich a few individuals. Kenyans must be the ones to benefit,” Musyoka said.
Kalonzo Sparks Debate Over Foreign Investment and Lamu Port
The remarks of Kalonzo drew a range of reactions online. One critic wrote: “King of press conferences, It’s not a must that you comment on everything!”
Another social media user, James Owuor, questioned the Opposition’s position on investment, arguing that such projects could benefit Kenyans through employment and increased tax revenue.
“Even if you don’t like Ruto, why oppose development? Kenyans will get jobs, and Kenya will earn taxes from that company,” he said.
Other commentators questioned Musyoka’s involvement in previous investment discussions, with one asking: “As an opportunist, where were you when these deals were being negotiated? Were you invited and you declined?”
Kalonzo has framed the debate around the wider history of Lamu Port and the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor, which he said formed part of the Vision 2030 development agenda during the administration of former President Mwai Kibaki.
“President Mwai Kibaki, Prime Minister Raila Odinga and I were part of the leadership that developed Vision 2030, in which LAPSSET and Lamu Port became flagship projects,” he said.
He said Lamu Port has significant economic potential and maintained that he remains committed to the original vision for the project.
“Lamu Port has immense potential, and we remain committed to the vision we had for it,” he said.
Ruto and Dangote Tout Lamu Refinery’s Economic Potential
The debate comes as President William Ruto presents the Dangote refinery as a major vote of confidence in Kenya’s investment climate. Ruto said Kenya attracted a record $3.2 billion in foreign direct investment in 2025, a 38 per cent increase and more than double the 2022 figure.
“Lamu is the next test of that confidence. And we intend to pass it,” he said.
The President said the refinery would help unlock the potential of the LAPSSET corridor, arguing that infrastructure must be matched with commercial and industrial activity.
“But a corridor without commerce is just a road. A port without industry is just a harbour. This investment can give both a reason to grow,” he said.
The refinery is projected to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day and create up to 60,000 direct and indirect jobs. Ruto said technical colleges and universities should prepare welders, technicians and engineers for the anticipated demand.
Dangote said the Lamu project emerged from discussions that initially centred on Kenya importing fertiliser from his Nigerian operations.
He said subsequent talks with Ruto and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni considered Tanga, Tanzania, before selecting Lamu.
“It started like a joke. It was meant to be a deal to buy fertiliser from our Nigerian company,” Dangote said.
He described the refinery as an African-led industrial investment, adding: “Africa must develop Africa. This project is about Africa coming together to build.”
The competing positions underline the political debate around the refinery: while Musyoka is challenging how strategic investments are handled and who ultimately benefits, he has expressly welcomed foreign investment and acknowledged the economic potential of the Lamu project.
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