Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Sh2 trillion East African Refinery in Lamu on September 30, 2026/ PCSNigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has warned those seeking to cause trouble over his investments in Kenya that he is prepared to fight back, saying he will give them “a headache”.
Dangote said he was not afraid of challenges or legal action as he defended the scale of his proposed investments in Kenya.
“We have actually travelled that road before. We know it will not be easy. There will be challenges,” Dangote said.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Sh2 trillion East African Refinery in Lamu on Wednesday, he said the project would face criticism and possible legal challenges but that this would not deter him.
“You must have seen one yesterday. But like what I said, we are not really scared about people taking us to court. Anybody who wants to cause trouble, we are ready for his trouble and will give him a headache,” Dangote said.
He said some people would also question whether the project's ambitions were too large.
“There will be people who will say again that the ambition is too large. But we also know something else. Nothing transformative was ever built by people who were frightened by the size of the challenge,” he said.
President William Ruto, speaking immediately after Dangote at the same ceremony, backed the billionaire's warning, saying those seeking to interfere with his investments would have to contend with the government.
Ruto said Dangote would not be left to deal with such people on his own, warning brokers, blackmailers and extortionists against seeking to benefit from the project.
“I know you have had a different experience in Kenya. Nobody is going to extort anything from you. No one will be given anything for free because they are blackmailing you,” Ruto said.
He said people looking for opportunities to extract money from investors would not be entertained.
“Extortionists are looking for opportunities. But no one will talk to them,” he said.
Ruto then directly echoed Dangote's warning that he was ready to confront anyone seeking to cause trouble around the project.
“You have heard Dangote saying he is ready for trouble. He will give them, brokers, big trouble. Mjipange,” Ruto said.
Dangote had also given a 40-month timeline for completion of the Lamu refinery, challenging the project to replicate the performance of his Lekki refinery in Nigeria.
He said President Ruto and other African leaders attending the groundbreaking would return to commission the facility within 40 months.
