Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of using his attendance at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as a cover to finalize a secretive Ksh8.2 trillion minerals agreement with an American firm.
Addressing Kenyans in the diaspora on Saturday, September 19, Gachagua asserted that President Ruto’s travel to New York was primarily motivated by mineral exploitation deals rather than diplomatic assembly sessions.
“William Ruto is in the air on his way to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA. But that is not his mission. That is just a camouflage. He will go there, take a few pictures, give a few speeches, and meet a few presidents and others,” Gachagua said.
Focus on Kwale County’s Mrima Hill Mineral Reserves
Gachagua alleged that the agreement centers on the extraction of high-value niobium and rare earth mineral deposits located at Mrima Hill in Kwale County.
“His real mission in the United States is to come and seal a deal with Americans on how niobium will be exploited from Kenya,” Gachagua claimed.
The former Deputy President asserted that while the mineral deposits carry an estimated valuation of Ksh 8.2 trillion, the proposed terms would yield minimal financial returns for the Kenyan public. Instead, he alleged that proceeds from the mining rights would be split between the American corporate entity and President Ruto.
“We will not allow William Ruto to sell our mineral deposits from Mrima Hills. That niobium, I am told it is very essential for electric vehicles and advanced technology and is required in the US, China, and Australia. I think the Americans have looked for Ruto first and offered him a better deal.
“I don’t know if he will stick with them or compare notes with China. But we will not allow him; we will shout from the rooftop. And even if we have to go to court, we will do so. After this meeting, I will talk to a few lawyers; we start preparing the paperwork because we can’t allow this to happen,” said Gachagua.
Gachagua claimed that executives from the American firm visited Kenya approximately four weeks ago and executed an initial agreement with a proxy representing the president. He stated that Ruto’s trip to the U.S. serves to execute the final stage of the transaction.
Strategic U.S.-Kenya Critical Mineral Bilateral Push
Gachagua’s claims follow expanding bilateral engagements between Nairobi and Washington regarding critical minerals processing.
American officials have voiced interest in collaborating with Kenya to establish domestic value addition, aiming to diversify critical mineral supply chains away from Chinese dominance.
Speaking on Wednesday, September 9, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia affirmed that American enterprises stood ready to partner with Kenya to build local processing infrastructure and generate local employment opportunities.
The Kwale mineral allegations follow separate claims raised by Gachagua earlier in the week, where he accused President Ruto of commercial self-interest regarding foreign investor operations at Lake Magadi.
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