Court temporarily halts Dangote refinery construction in Lamu on occupied portions of suit land

Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has urged residents impacted by the proposed Aliko Dangote oil refinery in Lamu to receive compensation before any development begins on disputed land. Speaking on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, Maanzo emphasized that the government must adhere to compulsory acquisition laws as President Ruto prepares to officially launch the refinery on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

The groundbreaking ceremony is set to take place despite the Environment and Land Court's decision not to halt the event, although it mandated the status quo on the disputed LR No. 13061 until Wednesday, October 14, 2026. Maanzo stressed that if the government seeks land for public use, it must first compensate the owners under compulsory acquisition.

The land dispute involves 133 Chandavai residents who have taken their case to court, arguing that their families have been occupying, cultivating, and developing parts of the land for generations. They are seeking the court's protection to ensure they receive compensation and due process before any displacement occurs. Maanzo also highlighted that a project of this magnitude should undergo environmental scrutiny and involve the people living nearby.

He called for increased transparency regarding the investment, stating that the information should be publicly accessible. The court has not prevented the groundbreaking ceremony from proceeding on Wednesday, and instead instructed all parties to uphold their current positions regarding the disputed land until a further hearing on October 14.

Maanzo reiterated that the government should respect the court's order, as the project continues. He also noted that any compulsory land acquisition must comply with the law before construction can move forward. So far, preparations for the Ksh2 trillion-plus refinery have been underway, with 2,930 tonnes of heavy construction machinery already arriving at Lamu Port.

The proposed facility is intended to process approximately 700,000 barrels of crude oil daily. President Ruto is scheduled to officiate the groundbreaking alongside Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.