Ruto Breaks Silence on Dangote’s Purchase of Kenya Pipeline Shares Amid Public Debate

President William Ruto has defended Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote’s purchase of shares in the Kenya Pipeline Company, questioning criticism surrounding the investment and saying some people were making unnecessary noise about the deal.

Ruto’s remarks come after Dangote confirmed that his business interests had acquired about 25 per cent of Kenya Pipeline Company, which operates the country’s petroleum transportation network.

The investment has attracted public attention because Kenya Pipeline plays an important role in moving fuel from the coastal city of Mombasa to other parts of the country and neighbouring markets.

Dangote announced the purchase on October 21, 2026, while speaking at the Financial Times Africa Summit in London. The transaction was reported to be worth approximately KSh42.5 billion.

The acquisition followed the government’s sale of shares in the company through a public offering earlier this year. Kenya Pipeline was listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange in March as the government sought to raise money through the sale of part of its ownership.

Ruto has presented private investment in the company as a sign of confidence in Kenya’s economy and its capital markets. His latest remarks also come amid wider discussions about the government’s decision to allow private investors to acquire shares in strategic state-linked businesses.

However, the transaction has raised questions among some political leaders about how the shares were sold and whether public institutions received a fair return from the deal.

Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has criticised the transaction, raising concerns about the price and the possible financial impact on public institutions that previously held shares. These concerns have added to the debate surrounding the government’s privatisation programme.

Dangote’s investment is also linked to his wider plans to expand his energy business across East Africa. His company is developing a major oil refinery in Lamu, which is expected to serve regional markets.

The pipeline network could provide an important route for distributing petroleum products once the refinery becomes operational.

The debate is likely to continue as Kenyans seek clarity on the transaction and its expected benefits for the country.

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