The battle for the Mrima Hill rare earth deposits—valued at an estimated KES 8 trillion—has erupted into open political warfare. In a dramatic scene at the Matuga School of Government, Kwale Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo led a walkout of local leaders, accusing Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho of "bulldozing" a project that could displace thousands.

The confrontation highlights the tension between national economic interests and community rights. Mrima Hill is not just a mineral deposit; it is a sacred Kaya forest and a biodiversity hotspot. The government views it as a strategic asset for the energy transition; the locals view it as their ancestral home.

"We Are Not in the Colonial Era"

"The CS tried to threaten us," Kombo claimed after the walkout. "He told us our words were not welcome. We realized they had their own agenda." The leaders accuse the Ministry of Mining of bypassing the county government to deal directly with "compromised" elders and associations.

• The Strategic Stakes: Mrima Hill contains Niobium and Rare Earth Elements (REEs) critical for electric vehicles and missiles. With China dominating the global supply, the US and EU are pushing Kenya to fast-track extraction.
• The Radiation Fear: Environmentalists have long warned that Mrima Hill has high background radiation. Unregulated mining could release toxic dust, poisoning the water table and the community. "We want benefits, but not at the cost of our health," said Vanga MCA Yusuf Mbwana.

Joho's Gambit

CS Joho attempted to downplay the rift, stating the project is in the "preliminary stage" and promising transparency. "We are here to break the ice," he said. But with local leaders now mobilizing the public against the "Nairobi plan," the ice seems to be hardening. Who will blink first: the State with its machinery, or the County with its people?