Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has responded to President William Ruto over demand for the release of documents relating to the Dangote oil refinery deal in Lamu.
Sifuna invoked the constitutional right of Kenyans to access information held by the State.
Sifuna cited Article 35 of the Constitution, which guarantees citizens access to information held by the State and requires the State to publish and publicise important information affecting the nation.
“Article 35(1): Every citizen has the right of access to information held by the State. Article 35(3): The State SHALL publish and publicise any important information affecting the nation,” Sifuna said.
He argued that disclosure of information on matters of national interest is a constitutional requirement rather than a decision that can be made at the discretion of an individual.
“Disclosure of information is a Constitutional imperative, not something left to the whims of one person,” he said.
Sifuna further criticised what he described as secretive government transactions, saying Kenyans should have access to information concerning major deals involving the State.
“The era of secretive deals negotiated in the dark will end when we kick this current regime out and return our country back to the rule of Law,” he said.
His remarks come amid renewed debate over the transparency of government dealings with private investors and the disclosure of documents relating to the Dangote refinery and oil importation arrangements.
The exchange is likely to intensify scrutiny over the extent to which government agreements involving strategic sectors such as petroleum should be made public and the constitutional obligations surrounding access to such information.
Ruto had claimed the demands are part of extortion schemes by Sifuna and others.
They however deny the claims and have insisted on getting the agreements.
President William Ruto has vowed to protect Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote and the Sh2.2 trillion refinery investment in Lamu from extortionists seeking to frustrate him through frivolous demands and court cases.
He claimed a cabal of political leaders was behind attempts to frustrate the businessman, warning that his administration would not allow vested interests to derail major investments in the country.
He pointed out that he would not allow the forces that previously frustrated Mr Dangote’s efforts to establish a cement factory in Kenya to undermine his new investment.
He spoke at Shanzu Teachers College in Kisauni Constituency, Mombasa Count.
“Yesterday, I heard Mr Empty of Shiny Things asking about the agreement for the Dangote refinery. He has been sent by his sponsor to ask for it.”
“You know the Government and parliamentary protocols to follow in requesting for such information. But I know the real reason you are asking for the agreement is for you to take it to your sponsor to extort Mr Dangote – as you have done before,” he said.
He stated that his administration would not allow investors to be subjected to extortion, intimidation or unnecessary interference, stressing that Kenya must create an environment that attracts and protects investors.
“You had told us that you have no interest in ‘shiny things’ such as roads, railways and ports. Why do you want the agreement for the refinery? Isn’t it another shiny thing?” he asked.
He also criticised those who project themselves as champions of values and integrity while extorting governors whenever they appear before them.
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