I’ll send you back to Nigeria when I become president, Kenyan presidential candidate warns Dangote against plans to build a refinery in the country.

Kenyan presidential candidate Patrick Osoi has warned Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote against rushing to establish a refinery in Kenya, saying his administration would prioritise local businesses.

Speaking during a campaign event, Osoi claimed that when he becomes president, Kenya will have the capacity to handle its own refinery operations.

“I want to tell Dangote, please don’t hurry up to start the refinery because by next year February, the time I’m sworn in as the president of this country, you’ll be back going to Nigeria,” he said.

Osoi argued that Kenya already has refinery facilities and capable businesspeople who can handle such projects without relying on foreign investors.

“We have refinery which can do that job. We also have business people in this country who can do that job,” he added.

He maintained that supporting Kenyan entrepreneurs and strengthening local industries would be among his priorities if elected.

Osoi issued the warning in a video shared by AM Media, declaring that he would ensure Dangote returned to Nigeria after his inauguration.

“I want to tell Dangote, please, don’t hurry up to start the refinery, because by next year, February, the time I’m sworn in as the president of this country, you’ll be back going to Nigeria,” he said.

The presidential hopeful argued that Kenya had capable businesspeople who could undertake the refinery project, adding that the country needed a facility capable of meeting its energy requirements.

“Because we are asking a refinery which can do that job. We also have business people in this country who can do that job,” Osoi said.

His comments come days after Dangote and Kenyan President William Ruto led other African leaders in performing the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed refinery at Lamu Port.