A parliamentary committee has raised concerns over the rising number of deaths linked to illegal mining along the border of West Pokot and Turkana counties, warning of a worsening humanitarian and environmental crisis if immediate action is not taken.
Speaking during a sitting at Parliament Buildings on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining highlighted that the situation in Sigor and Turkana South constituencies had reached alarming levels, with reports of fatalities, toxic chemical exposure, and impunity by mining operators raising serious alarms.
During the session, committee Chairperson and Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka led legislators in calling for urgent intervention, following distressing submissions by MPs from the affected constituencies.
“We must move swiftly to safeguard the people of Turkana, West Pokot, and any other affected regions,” Musyoka said.
Unsafe practices
In his submission, Kacheliba MP Titus Lotee revealed that four residents from his constituency died last week due to unsafe mining practices, accusing rogue operators of using heavy equipment to bury victims hastily, under the protection of local police.
“The situation on the ground is dire. Some families never saw the bodies of their loved ones who were hastily buried near the mining sites. We must visit the area and witness firsthand what is happening,” Lotee told the committee.
Turkana Central MP Joseph Emathe explained that the crisis is exacerbated by the use of cyanide, a highly toxic chemical openly transported into the mining areas, posing significant risks to both human health and the environment.
“This substance can kill within minutes, yet it is being moved in broad daylight. Despite acknowledging that the mining is illegal, the Principal Secretary for Mining could not explain why it continues. Where is NEMA? Who is enforcing the law?” Emathe questioned.
Resolutions
The committee’s concerns echo earlier inquiries in Parliament from MPs representing the affected constituencies, including Turkana South MP Ariko Namoit, Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong’, and the late Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were, all of whom highlighted the deadly consequences of unregulated mining activities.
In response to the crisis, the committee pledged to conduct an urgent fact-finding mission to the affected sites and report back with recommendations.
“We have seen disturbing photos, but we must go on the ground. We will involve all relevant stakeholders in our visit to establish the truth,” Musyoka added.
They are also expected to hold a follow-up meeting with the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs to discuss immediate and long-term interventions.
