Kajiado leaders react to Lenku's storming of Tata chemicals

Police officers try to prevent residents of Magadi from destroying the Tata Chemicals Company lab. [Peterson Githaiga]

A group of leaders have criticised Governor Joseph ole Lenku's action after he led residents into storming Tata Chemicals factory.

Speaking on behalf of the local leaders yesterday, Magadi MCA Joseph Masiaya said the move was uncalled for.

Mr Masiaya said employees and residents want a collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that they signed with the company implemented amicably.

"It is bad to incite our people into paralysing the operations of a company they rely on for a livelihood," said Masiaya.

Company board chairman Steve Moiko said the management was ready to negotiate with the county and find a solution.

“We are ready to iron out our differences with the county,” said Mr Moiko

He said the CBA was at an advanced stage of its implementation, and the land rate issue that the county was talking about was being resolved in the courts.

Last week, residents led by the governor stormed the soda ash manufacturer, citing its refusal to pay land rates and implement a CBA.

The governor who was accompanied by four MCA's told residents to storm Tata Chemicals' offices, leaving its management in shock.

Workers hurriedly closed their offices and ran for safety with the crowd baying for their blood.

At one point, Lenku and the protesters entered an area that is considered a danger zone - with lethal chemicals and boilers whose temperatures go up to, 1000 Celsius  - oblivious of any danger.

"We have been pleading with the management of this company to pay land rates amounting to Sh17 billion, and they seem not to hear, therefore today we will take the law into our hands and repossess what is ours," said Lenku.

“We cannot play games with taxes. No investor will be allowed (to transact) if they don’t fulfill their obligation with the government."