VIDEO: ‘I don’t want to go to jail’, Dangote explains why Kenya cement project failed

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote , has explained why his plan to establish a cement factory in Kenya about five years ago did not materialise, citing concerns surrounding corruption and his refusal to pay bribes.

In a now-viral interview, Dangote said he had attempted to establish the cement plant in the country and approached current Kenyan President William Ruto, who was then deputy president, over the matter.

He recalled his interaction with Ruto, saying the former deputy president took him in his car to meet the then president after the issue arose.

Speaking further, the billionaire said his company does not give bribes because doing so could expose it to criminal liability, stressing that he did not want to go to jail over an investment intended to create jobs and contribute to Kenya’s economy.

He said, “Corruption takes two people to activate it, the person asking and the giver. So we don’t give, because we believe we are bringing jobs and prosperity to the country. And why should I bribe? We are a listed company and if we are found giving bribes, definitely we will definitely go to jail and I don’t want to go to jail.”

He, however, declined to provide further details about what happened, saying he did not want to disclose information that could damage the reputations of those involved.

The comments come as Dangote faces a separate legal challenge over his proposed multi-billion-dollar oil refinery project in Lamu County, Kenya.

A Kenyan court recently directed that the status quo be maintained at the proposed refinery site following a petition by farmers and residents of Chandavai in Lamu County.

The petitioners alleged that they were forcibly evicted and that their properties were destroyed. They also claimed that the proposed project had not complied with environmental requirements and public participation obligations.

According to Bloomberg, the Malindi Environment and Land Court issued the order, with further directions scheduled for October 14.

Dangote said he learnt about the court order after arriving in Kenya on Monday night. He described the development as a familiar challenge for businesses operating across Africa and said he was not concerned about it.

He cited a previous experience involving one of his projects in Senegal, where he said construction of a factory was halted for a year before the matter eventually reached the Supreme Court.

Dangote said he was prepared to confront those attempting to obstruct his projects, adding that he knew the individuals behind the legal challenges.

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