“Sifuna Ni Size Yangu” — Cherargei Fires Back in Dangote Refinery Row, Takes Aim at Uhuru

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has intensified the political confrontation surrounding the proposed Dangote oil refinery in Lamu, taking a swipe at Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna while defending the multibillion-shilling project.

Cherargei told President William Ruto that he was ready to take on Sifuna over the growing debate on the refinery agreement, dismissing the Nairobi senator as a political opponent he could easily handle.

“Niachie Edwin W. Sifuna, ni kitu kidogo huyo, nitammalizia. Yeye ni size yangu,” Cherargei said.

His remarks come amid a heated exchange between Sifuna, President Ruto and supporters of the Dangote refinery project over demands for greater disclosure of the agreement between the Kenyan government and Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote.

Sifuna has invoked Article 35 of the Constitution, arguing that Kenyans have a right to access information held by the State and that important information affecting the country should be made public.

Cherargei, however, has challenged Sifuna to use parliamentary procedures to obtain the agreement. He said the Senate has oversight powers under Article 96 and claimed that he already had a copy of the refinery document, offering to send it to Sifuna.

The political confrontation comes as the proposed $16 billion Dangote refinery continues to attract both government support and scrutiny. The facility, planned for Lamu, is designed to process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day and is expected to strengthen regional petroleum supply and reduce reliance on imported refined products.

Cherargei defended the project, saying its implementation would create opportunities for Kenyans and contribute to the country's economic transformation.

The Nandi senator also turned his criticism toward retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of supporting sections of the opposition involved in the ongoing political campaign against the Ruto administration.

Cherargei warned Uhuru against what he described as continued involvement in opposition politics, saying the former President could face renewed scrutiny over issues surrounding his property and retirement benefits.

The remarks add another layer to the increasingly bitter political exchanges surrounding the refinery, with Kenya Kwanza leaders accusing sections of the opposition and their alleged political allies of attempting to undermine the project.

President Ruto has similarly defended the investment and told Sifuna that anyone seeking the agreement should use established parliamentary channels rather than demand it directly from the Executive. 

The Dangote project has nevertheless faced legal and public scrutiny. A Kenyan court has ordered maintenance of the status quo following a land dispute involving residents in the project area, while concerns have also been raised over environmental issues and transparency. 

The exchange between Cherargei and Sifuna is therefore expected to keep the Dangote refinery at the centre of Kenya's political debate, with the government portraying it as a major investment while opposition figures continue demanding greater transparency over the terms of the deal.