Jubilee Party leader Dr Fred Matiang’i has stepped up opposition demands for the government to disclose details of the recently launched Sh2.2 trillion Dangote East African Oil Refinery in Lamu, as well as mining concessions, to enhance transparency and accountability.
Speaking in Mombasa during the signing of a coalition agreement with KADU Asili, Matiang’i said the opposition would continue questioning projects shrouded in secrecy and demanded that the government provide conclusive answers instead of dismissing their concerns.
On allegations of graft surrounding the failed Dangote factory that was to be established in the country during the Jubilee administration, Matiang’i urged the government to move swiftly to prosecute those implicated.
“I don’t know why leaders of the government would like to tell us stories. My message to them is simple: act; if they have told you who has shaken them down, arrest them. Who is supposed to arrest them? It is not us, wananchi; you cannot come and tell us stories every day,” he said.
“You are the one who is in office; you have the power to act. Please act, arrest those people, and prosecute them. You have all you need to do the work. Don’t tell us stories and excuses every day about things you are supposed to do,” he added.
The Jubilee Party leader also criticised politicians who resort to abusive language against their opponents, urging them to tone down their rhetoric.
“Don’t abuse us, although if you choose to do it, it means that is your way of life. There is nothing we can do,” he said.
Matiang’i said leaders who raise accountability questions expect answers rather than insults, describing this as a key aspect of responsible and accountable leadership.
“If you have reasons why you cannot publish searchable electronic data on the licenses you have given and so on, that is okay. There may be legitimate reasons. Why don’t you disclose to Parliament?” he posed.
He alleged that the National Assembly and Senate lack information on some projects and mining concessions, leaving legislators in the dark and raising questions about the Executive’s accountability to Parliament.
Matiang’i said the Energy, Finance or Trade Committee of the House should have full disclosure and access to the relevant agreements. “That is not too much to ask. That is how our democracy functions,” he said.
The Jubilee leader also dismissed claims that the opposition lacks an agenda for the country, saying they would not be investing their time in political engagements if they had no programme for the nation.
He said the coalition with KADU Asili would facilitate implementation of the Coast Integrated Development Plan 2027-2037, aimed at creating employment and ensuring prudent management of the region’s resources for the benefit of local residents.
“If I were president today, we would not have debates about concessioning in Mrima. I would have called the Governor in Kwale and the county assembly, have a meeting. Everybody would know everything that is going on because there is no reason why you should be operating in secrecy and so on,” he said.
Matiang’i also affirmed that the opposition would field a single presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election to challenge the incumbent.
“I don’t want to put the cart before the horse, and I don’t want to anticipate my colleagues, especially when they are not here; all I can say is that I am aware, and I can confirm to you that that discussion is going on,” he said.
KADU Asili Party leader Mudzo Dzili said the cooperation with Jubilee was expected to be mutually beneficial as coalition-building gathers momentum ahead of next year’s polls.
“We want the next government not to be tribal or discriminatory,” he said, adding that the party would support Matiang’i for the presidency.
by Sadik Hassan
