Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has criticized President William Ruto’s directive ordering Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited to vacate its operations at Lake Magadi in Kajiado County.
Writing on his official X account on Friday, September 4, 2026, Sifuna faulted President Ruto for undermining job creation
“When Companies make decisions about where to put their investments, the dispute resolution regime in place is key because disputes arise all the time. The ‘Mambo Matatu, pack and go’ approach where the President can just shut down your business is very bad for investment and consequently, job creation. It is why we in Linda Mwananchi insist on a return to the Rule of Law. Thats our Plan!” Sifuna wrote.
Sifuna’s remarks follow President Ruto’s announcement during a development tour in Kajiado County, where the Head of State directed the soda ash processor to halt its operations over allegations of under-investing in local communities and failing to add value to raw mineral exports.
The lawmaker expressed deep concern over the long-term impact such executive pronouncements could have on both local and foreign investors seeking commercial certainty within the country.
He emphasized that capital allocation decisions heavily rely on a country’s predictability, contractual protections, and judicial independence when conflicts surface between corporate entities and government regulators.
The Nairobi Senator highlighted the economic fallout of sudden corporate closures, pointing out that summary shut-down orders directly endanger thousands of formal and informal jobs tied to major industrial operations.
Sifuna cautioned that resorting to roadside declarations to resolve complex industrial agreements sets a dangerous precedent that could deter future capital entry across critical manufacturing sectors.
He reiterated the commitment of the Linda Mwananchi movement to upholding constitutional principles, demanding strict adherence to established legal procedures rather than reliance on executive decrees.
According to Sifuna, robust commercial dispute resolution mechanisms must be prioritized over political mandates to ensure that Kenya remains an attractive and dependable hub for global businesses.
The controversy surrounds Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited mounting political scrutiny over its concession agreements and corporate social responsibility track record.
