Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that President William Ruto's hostile reaction to a journalist during a recent media briefing at the Mombasa State House was triggered by his frustration over a blocked mining deal involving Mrima Hill in Kwale County. Gachagua made these claims while speaking to Kenyans living in Massachusetts, Boston, on Friday, October 2, 2026.
According to Gachagua, President Ruto had sought to facilitate a mining deal involving an American investor at the mineral-rich site. However, Gachagua claims he intervened and raised procedural issues that ultimately halted the agreement. Gachagua stated that he got President Ruto out of the deal, saying "He wanted to use an American to steal a mineral called niobium in a place called Mrima Hills. I got him out."
Gachagua argued that this frustrated deal was the primary reason behind President Ruto's sharp reaction when questioned by the press during his interview at the Mombasa State House. Recalling the media interaction, Gachagua quoted the exchange between President Ruto and the journalist, where the President allegedly abused the journalist for mentioning Gachagua's name.
Dismissing the insult, Gachagua maintained that the public remains aware of the situation regardless of the rhetoric. He said, "Everybody knew what I said is true, because you don't shoot the messenger; you deal with the message." Gachagua's comments suggest that he stands by his claims about the blocked mining deal.
Located in Kwale County, Mrima Hill is recognized as one of Kenya's most valuable mineral deposits. It contains massive unexploited reserves of rare earth elements and niobium, a high-value metal critical for steel production, electronics, and advanced technologies. Licensing and extraction rights at the site have historically faced intense scrutiny regarding environmental protection, community displacement, and public participation requirements.
Gachagua also criticized past presidential remarks warning citizens against electing unfit leaders. He added that Kenyans are aware of the risks of electing unsuitable leaders, having allegedly made that mistake in the past. Gachagua's comments come amid heightened political tensions in the country, with several politicians making public statements about the integrity of the electoral process.
The issue has sparked a renewed debate about the role of politicians in Kenya's mining sector and the need for transparency in dealings involving natural resources. As the situation continues to unfold, Kenyans are watching closely to see how the matter will be resolved, and what implications it may have for the country's mining industry and political landscape.
Key points
- Gachagua claims President Ruto's media outburst was triggered by a blocked mining deal involving Mrima Hill in Kwale County.
- The mining deal involved an American investor and the extraction of niobium, a high-value metal critical for steel production, electronics, and advanced technologies.
- Gachagua's comments have sparked a renewed debate about the role of politicians in Kenya's mining sector and the need for transparency in dealings involving natural resources.
