I can’t accept blackmail! Ruto orders Magadi water, healthcare restored amid Tata Chemicals row
Kenyan President William Ruto has ordered the immediate restoration of water and healthcare services in Magadi following a dispute with Tata Chemicals. He emphasized that public resources like water and hospitals belong to the residents and should not be used as leverage in contract negotiations.
Why it matters
The intervention highlights the tension between corporate operations and the basic rights of local communities in resource-rich areas.
President William Ruto speaks in Magadi, Kajiado, on September 5, 2026/PCS
President William Ruto has ordered the immediate restoration of water supply to residents of Magadi, Kajiado County, following reports that services had been disrupted amid a dispute over the operations of Tata Chemicals.
Ruto directed the Water Cabinet Secretary to remain in Magadi until residents regain the water supply they previously received, insisting that the resource belongs to the local people.
Speaking during his development tour of Kajiado County, the President said he had received reports that residents had been denied water after his administration moved to review the long-standing contract involving Tata Chemicals.
“I have heard that they have stopped water supply to the people because we have said that we want to correct that contract,” Ruto said.
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