What Sifuna Said After Ruto Called Him Mr Empty, Sparking A Heated Firestorm

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has hit back at President William Ruto after the Head of State referred to him as “Mr Empty” while responding to demands for greater scrutiny of the proposed Sh2.2 trillion Dangote refinery in Lamu.

Ruto made the remarks on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during his tour of Mombasa, accusing Sifuna of being sent by a political “sponsor” to demand access to the agreement between the government and Dangote Group. The President also alleged that some individuals could be seeking the documents to pressure or extort Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote.

Sifuna has maintained that his concerns are centred on transparency and parliamentary oversight. He has argued that senators have not been given access to the agreement or informed about the commitments Kenya has made in connection with the refinery.

The exchange follows the September 30 groundbreaking ceremony for the Lamu refinery, which Dangote is expected to complete within 40 months. The project is projected by the government to create tens of thousands of jobs.

Ruto said those seeking the agreement should follow the appropriate parliamentary procedures to obtain government documents.

The public disagreement adds another political dimension to growing scrutiny of the multi-billion-shilling investment as Kenya heads towards the 2027 General Election.

https://x.com/edwinsifuna/status/2105667912099107313