‘Usiniletee maneno ya mtu mjinga’ – Ruto reacts to journalist over Gachagua’s minerals remarks
President William Ruto, on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during an interview, lost his temper after a journalist questioned him about former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s remarks concerning Kenya’s mineral wealth. The journalist sought Ruto’s response to Gachagua’s concerns over mineral resources and their exploitation, prompting the president to dismiss the former deputy president’s remarks…
On Thursday, October 1, 2026, President William Ruto faced a journalist's inquiry about former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's remarks on Kenya's mineral resources during an interview. Reacting to the journalist's question, Ruto dismissed Gachagua's comments before moving on to discuss his administration's plans for the mining sector.
The President emphasized the significance of minerals to Kenya's economy, mentioning the reforms his administration had implemented to improve accountability in managing the country's natural resources.
Gachagua had raised concerns over the proposed exploitation of niobium deposits at Mrima Hills in Kwale County. In a speech in Kansas City, United States, on Saturday, September 19, 2026, Gachagua vowed to oppose any agreement that would allow Kenya's mineral wealth to be exploited without adequate benefit to Kenyans. He stated that niobium was crucial for electric vehicles and advanced technology and expressed readiness to pursue legal action against the proposed exploitation.
Gachagua also hinted at discussions on Kenya's critical minerals during his visit to the United States for the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
During a subsequent meeting with Kenyans in Kansas City on Sunday, September 20, 2026, Gachagua reiterated his stance on the mineral issue, suggesting that Ruto's visit to the U.S. aimed at sealing a deal with Americans on exploiting Kenya's niobium. He also urged Kenyans, especially residents of Kwale, to demand accountability concerning mineral deposits valued at approximately Ksh8.2 trillion, which he claimed could transform their county into a prosperous region.
In response, Ruto broadened the conversation to include the need for proper documentation and accounting of Kenya's mineral resources. He shared his experience with mining operations in Mount Kenya, where he noted that minerals had been extracted and sold, leaving behind an abandoned site without a proper national record of the transactions.
Ruto questioned what future generations would ask of the government if they learned about the existence of mineral resources in Kenya without a proper record of their disposition. He concluded by stressing the necessity of stronger systems to monitor mineral extraction and ensure more value for Kenya from its natural resources.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
