NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that the discovery of lithium, oil and gas deposits in Magadi is behind the government’s decision to push Tata Chemicals out of the area.
Speaking to Kenyans living in Spokane, Washington, on Sunday, September 6, Gachagua claimed that the government was seeking control of mineral-rich land in Magadi, linking the alleged discoveries to the dispute surrounding Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited.
“Our minerals are being stolen every day because this man has mapped all land that has minerals, and he is acquiring them,” Gachagua said.
“Actually, that is the problem with Magadi. They have found lithium, and there is some oil. He is looking for that lithium and gas.”
Gachagua did not provide evidence to substantiate his claims about the alleged lithium, oil and gas discoveries.
His remarks come days after President William Ruto ordered Tata Chemicals to leave Kenya, accusing the company of failing to generate sufficient economic benefits for Kajiado County despite operating at Lake Magadi for decades.
Ruto said the government would bring in new investors to take over the soda ash operations and establish glass and chemical manufacturing industries in the area.
Gachagua criticised the decision, arguing that the government should have engaged residents through public participation before making changes to the century-old operation.
“Even if there is a problem in Magadi, you do public participation. Ask the Maasai people what they think,” he said.
“Even if you were to have a change, you don’t close a company overnight. The economy of that area depends on that company.”
Water supply concerns
Gachagua also raised concerns about the potential impact of the closure on the availability of soda ash, arguing that the mineral plays an important role in water treatment.
“The soda ash is what is being used for purifying water across the country. We are facing El Niño; there will be contamination of water,” he said.
He accused the government of making the decision out of greed and called for the factory to be reopened.
“The guy just made a stupid decision based on greed because he wants to grab the land and has now cost lives,” Gachagua said.
“We are asking him to open up the factory so that people can have water and healthcare as we are discussing.”
Tata Chemicals has disputed claims that it failed to comply with government requirements. The company said it submitted the information and documentation requested by the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs and was awaiting the ministry’s review.
The company has operated at Lake Magadi since 1911 and produces natural soda ash from trona deposits at the lake.
Kenya’s soda ash exports totalled 254,779 tonnes valued at $56.9 million in the year to July 2025, according to government data cited by the Associated Press.
Gachagua further challenged the government’s position on ownership and control of the land, saying the area historically belonged to the Maasai community.
“That land belongs to the community. It belongs to the Maa nation. They gave it in 1911,” he said.
Historical accounts from Tata Chemicals also state that Magadi lies within lands reserved for the Maasai and that an agreement was reached in 1911 during the colonial period.
Gachagua warned that the handling of the dispute could damage Kenya’s investment climate.
“Today as we speak, no investor wants to come in Kenya,” he said, calling for public participation and accusing the government of acting with impunity.
“The President cannot go there and give Executive Orders on the land that does not belong to government. That is impunity.”
