Muturi warns against secret deals on Kenya’s strategic minerals

In a strongly worded statement, Muturi emphasized that Kenya’s natural resources belong to its citizens and that any government only holds them in trust on behalf of present and future generations.

“The people of Kenya are the sovereign owners of the Republic and all its natural resources. This principle is not merely political; it is enshrined in our Constitution,” Muturi said.

He expressed concern over reports that the current administration could be engaging foreign governments, multinational corporations, and international partners in discussions over Kenya’s rare earth minerals and other strategic resources without adequate public involvement or parliamentary oversight.

“We are deeply concerned by indications that the current administration may seek to engage foreign governments, multinational corporations, and multilateral partners in discussions concerning Kenya’s rare earth minerals and other strategic resources without adequate public participation, transparency, and parliamentary oversight,” he stated.

Muturi noted that rare earth minerals are critical strategic assets used in advanced technologies, including renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, telecommunications infrastructure, semiconductors, and sophisticated military equipment. Given their significance to global economies and national security, he argued that any decisions regarding their exploitation must be guided by patriotism, accountability, and broad national consensus.

According to the former Attorney General, any attempt to commit Kenya’s strategic mineral wealth through agreements negotiated without informed public involvement would amount to a violation of constitutional principles and democratic governance.

“The sovereign people of Kenya cannot be reduced to spectators while decisions are made concerning resources that belong to them and to future generations,” he said.

Muturi further warned that any agreements, concessions, licenses, or commitments entered into without full compliance with constitutional requirements would face scrutiny under a future administration.

“The United Alternative Government wishes to state unequivocally that any agreements, concessions, licenses, or commitments entered into without full compliance with constitutional requirements, public participation, parliamentary scrutiny, and complete transparency will be subject to review,” he said.

He added that where necessary, such agreements would be renegotiated to ensure they safeguard national interests and deliver maximum benefits to Kenyans.

Muturi argued that no government has the moral authority to mortgage the future of generations yet unborn through opaque arrangements that deny citizens their constitutional right to participate in decisions affecting national wealth.

“Bypassing the people of Kenya on matters of such strategic importance would amount to an act of political impunity and a betrayal of the public trust,” he said.

The Democratic Party leader maintained that Kenya’s strategic minerals must be managed in a way that protects national sovereignty, promotes economic development, supports value addition and industrialization, and lays the foundation for long-term prosperity through future investment mechanisms and sovereign wealth creation.

“The era in which Kenya’s strategic assets could be negotiated behind closed doors must come to an end. The people are sovereign, and their voice must be heard before any binding commitments are made regarding resources that belong to the nation,” Muturi concluded.