A public consultation over one of Kenya's most valuable mineral discoveries turned deadly in Kakamega County on Thursday, leaving three people dead and casting a harsh spotlight on the life-and-death stakes of resource extraction in Western Kenya.

The violence erupted at a forum convened by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) at Emusali Primary School in Ikolomani Constituency. The meeting was meant to gather community views on the proposed Isulu-Bushangala underground gold mine, a project valued at approximately KES 683 billion ($5.28 billion). However, deep-seated fears over land displacement and compensation boiled over, leading to fatal confrontations.

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa confirmed the deaths and injuries and made an urgent appeal for calm. “No disagreement should ever lead to loss of life or destruction of property,” the Governor stated, emphasizing that he had instructed security agencies to launch an immediate and thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice.

A Fortune Beneath the Soil

At the heart of the conflict is a massive gold deposit identified by Shanta Gold, a British-based mining firm. The company's environmental impact assessment report, submitted to NEMA, outlines a plan to acquire roughly 337 acres of land, which would require the relocation of over 800 households. This proposal has stoked significant anxiety among residents and artisanal miners who have worked the gold-rich land for generations.

The project promises substantial economic benefits, with Kenya's mining laws stipulating a revenue-sharing formula: 70% for the national government, 20% for Kakamega County, and 10% for the local community. Despite these assurances, trust between the community and the project developers appears to have collapsed.

• Fatalities: Three people were killed, with some reports suggesting they died from gunshot wounds after police opened fire on protestors.
• Injuries: Eighteen people were seriously injured, including police officers and journalists covering the event.
• The Project: The Isulu-Bushangala mine is projected to yield over 1.27 million ounces of high-grade gold.
• Displacement: Over 800 households face relocation to pave the way for the large-scale underground mine.

A History of Mistrust

Thursday's violence was not spontaneous. Tensions have been escalating for weeks, with a similar NEMA meeting on November 12th being called off after the community turned hostile. Residents and local leaders, including Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale and Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, have repeatedly called for more transparent engagement and clearer assurances on land compensation and community benefits. Many fear a repeat of colonial-era exploitation, where the region's wealth was extracted with little benefit to the local population.

The chaos saw protestors block roads with bonfires, vandalize school property, and attack officials and journalists. Western Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamoud confirmed the deaths and injuries, while also claiming the slain individuals were hired goons.

As security is reinforced in Ikolomani, the community is left to mourn its dead and grapple with an uncertain future. The investigation ordered by Governor Barasa will be critical in establishing accountability, but the deeper challenge remains: bridging the profound divide between a community's ancestral claims and the nation's economic ambitions.