Kenya: Let Maa Community Decide Who Takes Over Magadi - Gachagua

What the report says

Former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged the government to let the Maa community have a say in the future of Magadi, amid an escalating dispute over Tata Chemicals Magadi’s operations, according to Capital FM via AllAfrica. Speaking in Nairobi, he accused President William Ruto’s administration of trying to gain control of the area because of reported interest in minerals, including lithium, as well as possible oil and gas deposits. He also called for the reopening of the company’s plant while consultations continue.

Gachagua argued that the matter should be handled through public participation with local residents rather than through an abrupt shutdown. He said a sudden change could hurt the local economy and disrupt services that residents rely on, including water and healthcare. The article says his remarks came after reports that suspension of the mining operations had already affected access to those services in Magadi.

The dispute centers on Lake Magadi, where Tata Chemicals has operated for more than a century and which it acquired in 2005. President Ruto has defended the move to replace the company, saying Kenya should seek more local value from its minerals and require new investors to build manufacturing facilities in Kajiado. The company says it has complied with regulatory demands and is pursuing the matter through legal and regulatory channels. Gachagua warned that how the government handles the case could affect investor confidence and broader economic stability.