Three Shot Dead, 10 Injured During Protests Over Shanta Gold Relocation Plan in Kakamega

At least three people were shot dead and several others, including police officers and journalists, were injured when protests erupted in Kakamega on Thursday, December 4, over relocation plans.

The chaos ensued after villagers in Isulu, Ikolomani constituency, began protesting against the intention of Shanta Gold Company to take over their land for gold mining.

Officials from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and Shanta Gold Company investors had visited the area to hold a public participation forum about the relocation plans when the protests began.

The agitated residents reportedly blocked NEMA and a group of investors from accessing Emusali Primary School for the public participation forum.

Reports indicate that Shanta Gold Company had proposed the relocation of over 800 households after the discovery of gold deposits worth Ksh683 billion.

According to a police report, most of the victims were goons reportedly hired to attack a team of journalists covering gold miners’ protests.