Tanga Refinery Remarks Stir Tension During Ruto's State Visit in Dar es Salaam
Tanga Refinery Remarks Stir Tension During Ruto's State Visit in Dar es Salaam
During his visit to Tanzania, Kenya's president faced an unexpected public challenge from Samia Suluhu Hassan over plans to build an oil refinery in Tanga.
In a brief aside, Hassan questioned why the project had been announced without her government’s knowledge:
“While we were speaking inside, I pressed Ruto and asked him: you went ahead and announced a refinery in Tanga—why was I not aware? He will explain himself why he made that announcement,” she said in Swahili, as quoted by media.
Ruto had earlier promoted the refinery as a regional project involving multiple countries, with backing linked to Aliko Dangote.
“We’re going to have a joint refinery in Tanga to benefit all of us…” he said. Responding to the concerns, Ruto acknowledged the reaction and sought to ease tensions: “I have been told that our announcement about building a refinery in Tanga has annoyed them quite a bit… Had I known, I would have announced that the refinery be built in Mombasa.”
He emphasized the project’s economic value, adding: “The building of a refinery is a big opportunity for business, a big opportunity for industrialization…”
Despite the moment, both countries moved forward by signing MoUs to improve trade cooperation and reduce barriers.
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