Lawyers warn Ruto’s projects could face legal battles after his tenure

Legal experts have cautioned that certain of President William Ruto's key initiatives may face legal challenges and possible disqualification after his term concludes if they are discovered to have violated constitutional standards. They raised concerns regarding public involvement, land acquisition, environmental compliance, and the commencement of projects while corresponding legal issues remain unresolved in court.

Former Law Society of Kenya chief executive Apollo Mboya emphasized during a statement on Saturday, October 3, 2026 that public participation constitutes a legal mandate applicable to all major government projects. Mboya cited the Kenya-Sharena Highway, Affordable Housing, and the recently launched Dangote Industries Oil Refinery in Lamu as projects facing scrutiny.

More than 100 residents from Chandavai and Magononi have already filed a lawsuit against the refinery over land ownership, compensation, and alleged ancestral land rights. Mboya questioned the government's decision not to release the agreement between the administration and Dangote, asserting that the information ought to be accessible to the public.

"The president has no other option; that information belongs to the public and must be disclosed," he argued. Ndegwa Njiru, another lawyer, accused the government of expediting the launch of some projects without adequately addressing the necessary legal prerequisites. He specifically targeted the Affordable Housing Programme, the Housing Levy, and public participation in the projects.

Njiru also identified the Ksh50 billion Nairobi River Regeneration and Engineering Works Programme, initiated in March 2025, as another project facing legal challenges due to inadequate community involvement along the river corridors. Mboya cautioned that the legal inquiries surrounding these projects could have ramifications beyond the current administration.

"Discharge your duties until the time that you leave that office. Because the day of reckoning is approaching," he stated. The lawyers' apprehensions emerged shortly after Ruto challenged critics of the Dangote refinery to address their grievances through Parliament and the courts. In Mombasa on Thursday, October 1, 2026, Ruto stated that those seeking access to the refinery agreement should follow parliamentary procedures, while disputes involving Dangote should be directed to court.

"As such, Dangote stated, 'if there is a person with a grievance, come together in the court,' " Ruto said. He maintained that the rule of law offers established channels for resolving disputes related to the project. The refinery has become a focal point of controversy regarding investment, transparency, land rights, and public oversight.

The government defends it as a significant industrial project. The legal experts' warning adds another dimension to the debate, with courts potentially assuming a pivotal role in determining the future of projects where due process is deemed to have been disregarded.