- Tensions are rising in Ikolomani, Kakamega county, after reports of plans to relocate residents to make way for a multi-billion gold mining project
- A British company, Shanta Gold Limited, is said to be targeting large gold deposits in Isulu and Bushiangala, worth KSh 683 billion.
- Residents who have depended on small-scale mining for generations said they were not consulted and accused the government of betrayal
Kakamega – Concern has engulfed the residents of Ikolomani regarding the alleged plan to move them from their ancestral land to make room for a large gold mining project by a British company.
Source: UGC
The turmoil follows reports that Shanta Gold Limited, a company based in England, has expressed interest in mining gold deposits estimated to be worth KSh 683 billion.
The company intends to establish an underground gold mining and processing plant in the Isulu and Bushiangala areas, with operations expected to last for eight years.
Why the residents of Ikolomani are against the gold mining project
Residents claimed survey teams have already been seen inspecting their fields and marking the boundaries.
They also claimed that officials have been quietly discussing relocation plans without their consent.
“We have seen people walking around our fields taking measurements. We were told they are from the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), but now we believe it is related to the mining project,” said Hosea Shivonje, a resident of Ikolomani.
The community, which has depended on small-scale gold mining for decades, said the move threatens their livelihood.
“They want foreigners to come and take our treasure while we have nothing. Why do you value outsiders more than your own people?” complained Florence Musavi, a resident of the area.
Another miner, Fredrick Manyonyi, said locals who depend on mining for income have rejected the idea of giving up their land.
“Gold is what sustains us. We use it to educate our children and meet our daily needs,” he said.
Are Ikolomani residents being tricked into signing migration documents?
According to the village elder Maurice Maliabo, some officials allegedly visit houses pretending to register residents for health insurance, electricity and water connections.
“They came with documents and tricked some women into signing them, claiming they were signing up for social programs. Later, we found out that it was related to migration,” he said.
The residents criticized the President’s government William Ruto for blackmail, saying it is part of a wider plan to relocate them in favor of foreign investors.
They also denied claims that public participation meetings were held, warning that any attempt to force them to leave could lead to chaos.
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