NAIROBI, Kenya- Democratic Party Leader Justin Muturi has called for full transparency and meaningful public participation in any proposed coltan mining activities in Embu County, warning against secretive agreements that could affect land, livelihoods, and community resources.
Muturi said residents of Embu and Mbeere communities must be fully involved in decisions regarding the exploration and potential extraction of coltan, a mineral believed to be of significant economic value.
“The people of Embu County will not sit back and watch secretive deals that determine the fate of their land, livelihoods, and natural resources,” he said.
He raised concern over a recent gazette notice issued in March by Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs CS Ali Hassan Joho, saying it had sparked anxiety among residents over possible land alienation without proper consultation or compensation.
Muturi insisted that no investor or government official should proceed without community consent and legally binding safeguards.
“Let it be clear: the people of Embu will have the final say on matters concerning their natural resources,” he stated.
He demanded disclosure of key details including targeted exploration areas, investor identities, beneficial ownership structures, and frameworks for land acquisition, compensation, and resettlement.
Muturi also called for environmental and social impact assessments, as well as guarantees on employment and local economic benefits.
He warned against what he termed opaque arrangements involving “faceless investors” and politically connected brokers, saying such practices undermine public trust.
“The era of backdoor deals is over. Embu is not for sale through secret arrangements,” he said.
The DP leader added that any mining project must prioritise local communities through jobs and business opportunities, insisting that residents are watching closely and will resist any attempt to dispossess them of their land without due process.
