Kenya: MPs Accuse Ruto of Targeting Tata Chemicals Over Mineral Deposits

What the report says

Members of Parliament allied to Kenya’s Democracy for Citizens Party have accused President William Ruto of using regulatory and licensing concerns as cover to pressure Tata Chemicals out of Lake Magadi, amid claims that the area holds valuable mineral and petroleum deposits. The remarks, reported by Capital FM and distributed by AllAfrica, came as Ruto was touring Kajiado County and publicly defended the government’s push to change how Magadi’s resources are developed.

According to the report, the lawmakers called for the immediate reversal of the suspension of Tata Chemicals Magadi, saying the shutdown could threaten jobs, local services and water access in the area. They argued that the company’s operations support thousands of livelihoods directly and indirectly, and they also raised concerns about possible effects on soda ash supplies used by Nairobi’s water utility. The MPs alleged, without independent verification, that the real motive was to clear the way for other investors interested in lithium and oil.

Ruto, for his part, said Tata Chemicals had operated at Lake Magadi for about a century without doing enough to create local industry or employment. He said any replacement company should build manufacturing capacity in Kajiado, including factories for glass and chemicals. The report notes that mining operations at Tata Chemicals Magadi were suspended on July 28 over compliance issues, and the company’s future remains part of a legal dispute before the High Court. Tata has operated in the area since 1911 and has been part of the broader local economy through soda ash production and related services.