- Three people were killed and 18 others injured after chaos erupted during a NEMA forum in Kakamega over a proposed underground mining project
- Police fired tear gas and allegedly live bullets as residents resisted planned evictions, leading to destruction of property
- Governor Fernandes Barasa confirmed the tragedy, urging calm and directing security agencies to investigate while reinforcing order in Ikolomani
Kai Eli, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
At least three people lost their lives in a melee during a forum organised by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) in Kakamega.
Source: Facebook
NEMA had convened the meeting on Thursday, December 12, to assess the impact of the proposed Isulu-Bushiangala underground mining project.
Why chaos erupted in Ikolomani gold belt
According to eyewitnesses, chaos erupted when residents opposed the planned evictions. Police at the scene moved in to quell the riots, which had spiraled out of control, and lobbed tear gas to restore order. In the ensuing confrontation, three people were killed, allegedly by gunfire from law enforcers.
Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner 😉
Eighteen people, including police officers and journalists, sustained injuries amid the chaos.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa confirmed the tragedy, noting that property of unknown value had been destroyed and stolen.
“This afternoon, a tragic incident occurred during a NEMA-convened public participation forum on the proposed Isulu-Bushangala underground mining project at Emusali in Ikolomani Constituency. Three people lost their lives, and eighteen others, including police officers and journalists, were seriously injured. Property of unknown value was also vandalised and stolen,” partly read the governor’s statement.
The county boss extended his sympathy to the bereaved families and those injured.
What advise did Governor Barasa give Ikolomani residents?
Barasa urged the public to remain calm and embrace peaceful mechanisms to resolve the dispute.
He advised local leaders to handle the matter responsibly and in the best interests of residents.
“I convey my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wish the injured a speedy recovery. I urge for calm, sobriety, and restraint. No disagreement should ever lead to loss of life or destruction of property. I have directed security agencies to undertake an immediate and thorough investigation to establish the cause of the incident and ensure justice is served.
Local leaders, residents, and stakeholders should work together toward a peaceful and lasting solution to issues surrounding gold mining in the area. Meanwhile, security has been reinforced to restore order and safeguard lives and property in Emusali and the wider Ikolomani Constituency,” he said.
Source: Facebook
The tragedy occurred just a month after a major gold discovery worth billions of shillings in the region.
Inside multi-billion shilling gold project in Kakamega
Shanta Gold Kenya Limited, a UK‑based company, announced plans to invest $208 million (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 run for eight years in the Isulu‑Bushiangala area.
The firm estimates that the site contains gold reserves valued at $5.28 billion (KSh 683.04 billion).
Shanta Gold, registered in Guernsey, England, and already operating mines in Tanzania, is spearheading the initiative as part of its broader Western Kenya Project, which covers seven exploration blocks across several counties.
In October, the company also sought NEMA’s approval for a separate $137 million (KSh 17.7 billion) mining venture in Ramula (Siaya), East Gem, and Mwibona (Vihiga).
Projections suggest that the Isulu and Bushiangala zones in Ikolomani constituency could produce about 1,270,380 kilograms of high‑grade gold.
The deposits are located within fractured rock formations bordered by volcanic and sandy layers.
The Kakamega gold belt itself has a long history, dating back to the 1930s when colonial miners established Kenya’s first commercial gold mines.
The name Ikolomani originates from the Luhya word okhooloma, meaning “gold mine.”
Source: TUKO.co.ke
