Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has responded to President William Ruto after the President criticised his demand for the agreement between the government and businessman Aliko Dangote over the planned Lamu refinery.
Sifuna cited Article 35 of the Constitution, which gives citizens the right to access information held by the State.
He also pointed to Article 35(3), which requires the State to publish and publicise important information that affects the country.
Sifuna cites right to access information
Sifuna said the government has a constitutional duty to make important public information available.
He argued that access to government information should not depend on the personal decision of an individual.
The senator made the remarks while responding to Ruto’s criticism over his demand for the Dangote agreement.
Ruto criticises Sifuna’s demand
Ruto criticised Sifuna during his tour of the Coast after the senator called for the release of the agreement.
The President said Sifuna should seek the document through Parliament instead of demanding it directly from the government.
Ruto also said he would not hand the agreement directly to Sifuna or other opposition leaders.
During his remarks, the President referred to Sifuna as an “extortionist.”
Sifuna attacks secretive government deals
Sifuna also criticised what he described as secretive government agreements.
He said Kenyans should have access to important information about deals involving the government.
Sifuna argued that government agreements should follow the rule of law and remain open to public scrutiny.
His response comes amid continued debate over the planned Lamu refinery project and the agreement between the government and Dangote.
