NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 7 – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto’s administration of seeking control of Magadi because of alleged mineral, oil and gas deposits in the area, as he called for the reopening of Tata Chemicals Magadi.

📻 Breaking It Down

Gachagua claimed the discovery of lithium, oil and gas had heightened interest in Magadi, alleging that the government was using the dispute with Tata Chemicals as a pretext to take control of the area.

He said the concerns surrounding the long-running operations of the soda ash producer should instead be addressed through public participation and consultation with the Maasai community.

“Actually, that is the problem in Magadi. They have found there is a mineral called lithium, and there is some oil. That’s why he wants to take over Magadi,” Gachagua said.

📌 What You Need to Know

The former Deputy President was speaking as the controversy surrounding Tata Chemicals’ operations at Lake Magadi escalates following President Ruto’s decision to have the Indian-owned company leave the area.

Ruto has defended the move, saying Tata Chemicals had operated in Magadi for more than a century without delivering sufficient local industrial development and jobs. He has said a new investor would be required to establish glass and chemical manufacturing facilities in Kajiado.

The President initially said two new companies would take over from Tata Chemicals, with one expected to establish a major glass manufacturing plant and another to set up a chemical processing facility in Kajiado. He argued that Kenya should stop exporting raw minerals and instead retain more value through local processing and manufacturing.

Gachagua, however, warned that the manner in which the government was handling the matter could undermine investor confidence.

He urged the government to engage the local community and the company before making major changes to an operation that has become central to the local economy.

“Even if there is a problem in Magadi, you do public participation. Ask those Maasais what they think. And even if you are to have change, you don’t go and close a factory overnight,” he said.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya