Former Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldier, Patrick Osoi, has told Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote not to rush the development of his refinery, claiming that Kenyan businesspeople have the capacity to undertake similar projects.
Osoi, who has expressed an ambition to become Kenya’s president, made the remarks in a statement circulating on social media, where he suggested that Dangote would have to return to Nigeria if he assumes office next February.
“I want to tell Aliko Dangote, please don’t rush to start the refinery because, when I’m sworn in as President of this country next year, you will be heading back to Nigeria,” he said.
The former soldier argued that Kenya has entrepreneurs capable of undertaking major industrial projects, insisting that the country should rely on its own businesspeople.
We Kenyans have businesspeople who can start the refinery. We also have businesspeople in this country who can do that job,” Osoi stated.
He made the remarks while addressing supporters of his movement, describing Kenya as the home of the group’s political activities.
Dangote, Africa’s richest man, is known for his investments across several sectors, including cement, fertiliser and oil refining. His refinery in Nigeria is a major industrial project aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
Osoi’s comments have drawn attention to discussions about local investment, industrial capacity and the role of domestic entrepreneurs in driving economic development across Africa.
However, his remarks about assuming Kenya’s presidency next February reflect his political ambition, while his claims about Kenyan investors’ capacity to establish a refinery were not substantiated in the statement.
