Gachagua Claims Ruto Plans Ksh8.2 Trillion U.S. Minerals Deal

Gachagua Claims Ruto Plans Ksh8.2 Trillion U.S. Minerals Deal

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that President William Ruto’s visit to the United States could be used to advance a minerals agreement involving Kenya’s multibillion-shilling deposits at Mrima Hill in Kwale County.

Gachagua made the claim on Saturday, September 19, while addressing Kenyans living in the United States amid Ruto’s visit to New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader alleged that the President’s UNGA engagements were not the only purpose of his trip, claiming that discussions around Kenya’s critical minerals would also feature prominently.

“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.

He went on to allege that Ruto would seek to conclude an agreement with an American company over the exploitation of niobium and rare earth minerals found at Mrima Hill.

“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.

Gachagua Raises Concerns Over Mrima Hill Minerals

Gachagua claimed the deposits could be worth about Ksh8.2 trillion and alleged that Kenyans could receive little economic benefit from their exploitation.

He further alleged that representatives of an American company had visited Kenya several weeks earlier and that an agreement had been signed with a person he described as a representative of the President.

Gachagua did not provide documents publicly confirming the alleged agreement, and his claims had not been independently verified.

The former Deputy President also threatened legal action over the proposed exploitation of the deposits, saying he would consult lawyers on possible court proceedings.

U.S. and Kenya Discuss Critical Minerals

The allegations come as Kenya and the United States deepen discussions on critical minerals, particularly local processing and value addition.

Mrima Hill in Kwale is believed to contain significant deposits of niobium and rare earth elements used in industries such as aerospace, electronics and advanced technology.

Kenya is currently considering bids for development of the deposit, with American and Australian companies among those competing for the project.

Washington has publicly expressed interest in supporting Kenya’s minerals sector.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia recently said the United States wanted to provide technology and investment to help Kenya extract, process and add value to its mineral resources.

“We are ready to help you build a mining sector that is transparent and attracts legitimate businesses, respects communities and helps secure global supply chains,” Garcia said.

Garcia has also indicated that the American approach would involve advanced mining and refining technology rather than the United States directly taking over mining operations.

Ruto’s U.S. Visit

Ruto travelled to New York to attend the 81st UN General Assembly, where his programme includes engagements on investment, infrastructure, technology and critical minerals.

State House has said the President is seeking to attract investment and expand partnerships across several sectors.

The government has also promoted local mineral processing as part of its broader strategy to create jobs and retain more value from Kenya’s natural resources.

Gachagua’s claims therefore come against a backdrop of growing international interest in Kenya’s mineral deposits.

However, there was no official confirmation that Ruto was travelling to the United States specifically to sign an Ksh8.2 trillion minerals agreement.

The reported value also refers to the estimated worth of the mineral deposits rather than a confirmed transaction value or amount payable to an investor.

The developments are likely to keep attention focused on the government’s negotiations over Mrima Hill, particularly on ownership, investment terms, local processing, environmental safeguards and the share of economic benefits expected to accrue to Kenya.

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Gachagua Claims Ruto Plans Ksh8.2 Trillion U.S. Minerals Deal