Gachagua Tells Ekolomani People Not To Allow Gold Mining Until The Opposition Takes Over The Government

Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua urged residents of Western Kenya to oppose commercial gold mining
Gachagua addressed the growing tension in Kakamega over gold-rich lands, describing the mineral as a God-given resource that can alleviate poverty in the region
Fierce clashes soon broke out as small-scale miners protested relocation and poor compensation, leaving three dead
A foreign company plans to develop a massive underground gold mine in Kakamega as it promises economic growth

Former vice president Rigathi Gachagua has joined the growing debate about gold mining in Western Kenya.

Gachagua said the gold in Western Kenya has the power to change their lives. Photo: Rigathi Gachagua.
Source: Facebook

Gachagua appealed to the local communities to oppose the commercial exploitation of the minerals until the opposition coalition takes government power.

What is Gachagua’s warning for Western Kenya?

The former DP’s call comes amid growing tension in Kakamega county, where small-scale miners and the community have clashed fiercely over control of the area’s huge gold reserves.

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Addressing journalists on Thursday, December 11, Gachagua warned locals against allowing a few people or foreign companies to control what he described as a God-given resource.

The leader of the Democratic Party for the People (DCP) said that the residents of Western Kenya must be the first beneficiaries of the resource.

Gachagua said that the area is blessed with these rare minerals, suggesting that they could be the key to unlocking a better future for the residents.

“Kakamega, don’t allow your gold to be sold by only four people. All over Western Kenya, there is a lot of gold underground. The pits that are dug there are sinking deep. Gold is everywhere in Western Kenya. If it is stored, it can help reduce poverty in the area. I will ask the people of Western Kenya to resist the theft of their gold until we form a government, so that we can discuss with them how that gold can benefit them. It was given by God, free of charge. It must serve a purpose and change their lives,” Gachagua said.

Why are there conflicts over gold mining in Kakamega?

His intervention follows frequent clashes between residents and law enforcement agencies over proposed commercial mining operations.

In Ikolomani, Kakamega, three people died recently during protest against displacement of people and inadequate compensation schemes related to rich mineral lands in the area.

Residents, many of whom depend on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) for their livelihoods, fear alienation in favor of large-scale foreign-led operations.

The risk is high after the British company Shanta Gold Kenya Limited, submitted an environmental impact assessment (EIA) to the National Environmental Management Authority (Nema), seeking permission to develop an underground gold mine and processing center in the Isulu-Bushiangala area.