Kakamega: 3 Lost Lives, 18 Injured In Gold Dispute

Three people died and 18 others were injured after violence broke out during a NEMA forum in Kakamega on a proposed underground mining project.
Police fired tear gas and allegedly fired shots when residents refused to leave, causing property damage
Governor Fernandes Barasa confirmed the sad incident, urging calm and ordering security agencies to investigate the incident, strengthening security in Ikolomani

At least three people lost their lives in violence during a forum organized by the Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) in Kakamega.

Residents of Bushianla during the chaos that hit the meeting organized by NEMA. Photo: Tirry Shikz.
Source: Facebook

NEMA had organized the meeting on Thursday, December 12, to assess the impact of the proposed Isulu-Bushiangala underground mining project.

According to witnesses, violence erupted when residents protested the evacuation plan.

When the police arrived at the scene to control the riot, they used tear gas to restore order.

In the ensuing conflict, three people were killed, allegedly shot by police officers.

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18 people, including police officers and journalists, were injured in the violence.

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa confirmed the incident, noting that properties of unknown value were destroyed and others stolen.

“This afternoon, a tragic incident occurred during a public participation forum organized by NEMA on the Isulu-Bushiangala Emusali underground mining project, Ikolomani County. Three people were killed, and eighteen others, including police officers and journalists, were seriously injured. Properties of unknown value were also demolished and stolen,” part of the governor’s statement read.

The county leader expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and felt sorry for the injured.

Barasa urged the people to remain calm and use peaceful means to resolve the conflict.

He encouraged the local leaders to deal with the issue responsibly and in the best interests of the residents.

“My sincere condolences to the bereaved families and I wish the injured a speedy recovery. I ask for calmness, prudence, and restraint. No conflict should cause loss of life or damage to property. I have instructed the security agencies to conduct a quick and thorough investigation to determine the cause of this incident and ensure justice is done.”

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Local leaders, residents, and stakeholders should work together towards a peaceful and lasting solution to gold mining issues in this area. At the same time, security has been strengthened to restore stability and protect life and property in Emusali and Ikolomani County in general,” he said.

The incident happened just one month after the discovery of gold worth billions of shillings in the area.

Shanta Gold Kenya Limited, a company based in England, announced plans to invest 208 million dollars (KSh 26.86 billion) in establishing a gold mining and processing plant in the county.

According to its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report submitted to NEMA, the project is expected to last for eight years in the Isulu-Bushiangala area.

The company estimates that the area has gold reserves worth 5.28 billion dollars (KSh 683.04 billion).

Shanta Gold, registered in Guernsey, England, and already has mines in the country Tanzanialeading this project as part of its larger Western Kenya Project, which includes seven observation blocks in several counties.

In October, the company also sought NEMA approval for another $137 million (KSh 17.7 billion) mining project in Ramula (Siaya), East Gem, and Mwibona (Vihiga).