Ikolomani Locals Vow to Keep Mining After Gold Dispute Leaves 3 Dead

Ikolomani residents have remained adamant that they will not abandon their small-scale gold mining activities despite deadly clashes which claimed three lives during protests over control of the mineral-rich land.

Speaking days after the violence, the miners insisted that gold extraction was their only source of livelihood as they vowed to continue digging despite plans by a major company to seek rights to the area.

The residents, who are typically armed with rudimentary tools, say they have relied on the gold business for generations, and only mine a few grams of gold at a time.

“This is our job. We wake up in the morning to do this work. Without it we cannot eat,” one miner lamented.

For others, they described the gold beneath their homes as a form of 'natural savings account' passed down through families.

Another resident said, “In one day, we can make between Sh1,000 and Sh5,000. If we move out, where will we get an income?”

Gold deposits in Ikolomani are estimated to be worth about Ksh 680 billion but despite this, locals are fearful that commercial mining would push them aside without any economic alternatives.

While the residents said they were open to future arrangements, they stressed that their position would only change if they receive firm assurances that their livelihoods will not be wiped out.

Area locals' firm stance comes at the back of protests on Thursday, December 4 which turned deadline after three people were shot while several others, including police officers and journalists, sustained serious injuries.

Tensions flared when villagers in Isulu blocked officials from the National Environment Management Authority and representatives from Shanta Gold Company from accessing Emusali Primary School for a public participation forum.

Police later reported that most of the fatalities weresuspected hired goonsinvolved in attacking a team of journalists who came to cover the unrest.

Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai met the leadership of a renowned Gold Mining company earlier in November, to discuss the future of mining projects in Western Kenya including Kakamega, Siaya and Vihiga.

The government already approved mining operations in Bushiangala and Isulu zones, with the company planning to invest between Ksh 22 billion and Ksh 27 billion in an underground mine and processing plant. The project is expected to run for at least eight years.