A public forum meant to pave the way for a massive gold mining operation in Kakamega County turned deadly on Thursday, after clashes between residents and police left at least three people dead and more than a dozen injured. The violence erupted at a meeting convened by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) at Emusali Primary School to discuss the proposed Isulu-Bushiangala underground mining project.

The heart of the conflict is a plan by Shanta Gold, a British-based firm, to develop a mine over a newly discovered gold deposit valued at an estimated KES 683 billion. This lucrative project, however, requires the relocation of over 800 households, a prospect that has ignited fierce opposition from residents who fear losing their ancestral land and livelihoods for inadequate compensation.

A Forum Turns Fatal

Tensions that have simmered for weeks boiled over when the NEMA-led forum began. Eyewitnesses reported that youths armed with wooden batons stormed the venue, attacking attendees and destroying property before police intervened. Law enforcement officers allegedly used live rounds to disperse the crowd, leading to the fatalities. Western Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamoud confirmed the deaths and stated that several officers and journalists were among the injured.

The aftermath saw roads blocked with burning tires and rocks, and the administration block of a nearby secondary school was vandalized and set ablaze. Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa condemned the violence and called for a thorough investigation.

Deep-Seated Distrust

This tragic event is rooted in a profound lack of trust between the community and the project's proponents. Residents have repeatedly voiced concerns over a flawed public participation process, citing a lack of transparency and information. Key documents, including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, were reportedly not translated into local languages, hindering meaningful community review. A previously scheduled NEMA public hearing in November was abruptly cancelled, further fueling suspicions among the populace.

Locals argue that the proposed project is a private commercial venture that cannot lawfully acquire ancestral land without their consent. Key issues remain unresolved, including:

• An incomplete Resettlement Action Plan (RAP).
• Unclear details regarding land compensation.
• Concerns over environmental risks like water and land pollution.
• The potential loss of income for artisanal miners who depend on the land.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has sided with the residents, vowing he will not allow them to be taken advantage of for their land.

The Billions Beneath the Soil

The Isulu-Bushiangala site holds an estimated 1.27 million ounces of high-grade gold, one of the largest deposits found in Kenya. While the national and county governments stand to earn significant revenue from royalties, the direct benefit to the displaced community remains a major point of contention. For the people of Ikolomani, the discovery of immense wealth beneath their feet has so far brought not the promise of prosperity, but the reality of violence and uncertainty. As authorities investigate the killings, the fundamental question of who truly benefits from Kakamega's gold remains unanswered.