What You Need to Know
Civil society organizations in Western Kenya have raised alarms over alleged illegal land acquisition by gold mining companies in Kakamega, Vihiga, and Siaya counties. Residents have protested against the unlawful takeover of land, claiming intimidation and forged documents. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has expressed concern over police violence during protests and the suppression
Africa-Press – Kenya. Civil society groups have raised alarm over alleged unlawful land acquisition by gold mining companies in Kakamega, Vihiga and Siaya counties, calling on the government to ban mining in the region until an amicable solution was found.
In recent weeks, Western Kenya residents have staged protests in parts of the three counties, decrying that land has been taken over without due process and demanding a stop to mining activity.
Residents allege that land documents have been forged and title deeds altered, claiming the mining projects are being advanced through intimidation and threats.
Some of the demonstrations have seen residents storm local markets and nearby police stations, reflecting growing frustration over the disputed land.
Civil society group Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi has accused gold mining companies of failing to follow legal procedures to acquire land for their projects.
Chief Executive Officer Kawive Wambua said communities in Ramula, Mwibona and Ikolomani were not meaningfully involved in decision-making.
“In Ramula, Mwibona and Ikolomani, community members reported that lawful procedures for land access and acquisition were not followed. There is no evidence that free, prior and informed consent was obtained and affected persons were not meaningfully involved in decision-making processes,” he said.
Residents have also raised concerns over the conduct of police during the protests, accusing officers of using excessive force when intervening.
Demonstrations in Gem–Ramula, Siaya County two weeks ago left two people dead following police intervention, with a house also torched during protests over alleged evictions linked to a 1,154-acre project along the Siaya–Vihiga border associated with Shanta Gold Kenya Limited.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHCR) has expressed concern over the situation, warning against what it described as the increased use of the criminal justice system to suppress affected communities.
KNHCR official Gladys Mong’are said the commission had received reports that some young men had fled their homes due to fear of arrest and continued harassment.
“We are particularly alarmed by the increasing use of the criminal justice system to suppress community members. We have gathered that many young men have fled their homes due to fear of arrest and continued harassment,” she said.
Lobbyists, alongside affected residents, are demanding government intervention and an immediate halt to gold mining activities in Western Kenya.
The issue of land acquisition in Kenya has a complex history, often marked by disputes and conflicts between local communities and corporations. In recent years, the gold mining sector has seen significant growth, attracting both local and foreign investments. However, this has also led to increased tensions as communities claim their land rights are being violated, often without proper consultation or compensation. The situation in Western Kenya reflects broader national challenges regarding land ownership and the rights of indigenous populations.
