Blackmail is unacceptable: Ruto orders Magadi water, hospital services to continue

President William Ruto has ordered the restoration of water services and the continued operation of a hospital in Magadi, condemning attempts to blackmail the government over contract reviews. Addressing a public gathering in Kaiado on September 5, 2026, Ruto emphasized that residents of Magadi would not be denied essential services due to disagreements surrounding the contract.

He directed Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa to travel to Magadi to ensure residents regain access to water services, stating, "Wewe Waziri, Wednesday wewe ukuja hapa. Mimi nataka ukae hapo Magadi mpaka watu wa hapa wapate maji vile walikuwa wanapata maji." Ruto dismissed claims of water supply cessation, asserting that services should persist because the area serves local communities.

Additionally, the president instructed Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku to prevent the hospital's closure, emphasizing that the facility belongs to residents and should continue providing medical services. Ruto warned against blackmail through the withholding of essential services, vowing that the government would not tolerate such actions.

"Mimi siwezi kukubali mambo ya blackmail. Ati wanajaribu kutublackmail na maji na hospitali? Mimi nataka niwambie: Blackmail is unacceptable. Blackmail is injustice. Blackmail is unfairness, and blackmail leads to exploitation," Ruto declared. He reiterated that the government's plan is to re-advertise the contract to allow multiple companies to compete, rather than allowing a single entity to control the resource for decades.