SIAYA, Kenya, Jan 25 – Two people lost their lives today when irate villagers stormed a company under construction in Rarieda sub county to oppose its operations.
The incident, which occurred in Lumba Kobong’ village in East Asembo ward left several people nursing injuries, with a man of Chinese extraction who had earlier flashed his gun to scare away the villagers forced to take off at high speed to unknown destination.
Trouble started when agitated youths stormed out of a public participation meeting organized by area member of the county assembly, Gordon Onguru a few metres from the company.
Armed with their mining tools, the youths marched to the factory and started demolishing the wall, as some climbed over, catching the company workers and their bosses by surprise.
Once inside, the youths started attacking whoever was in the compound, clobbering and slashing them.
The villagers had earlier expressed concern that they had not been engaged by the proprietors of Amlight company limited that had erected a wall to put up a gold processing in the area.
Speaker after speaker accused the company of using the back door to set up base in the area, adding that as stakeholders, they had the right to know exactly how the company will conduct its activities, threats to the environment and how it will tackle them.
A youth, Wycliff Ochieng Odindo lamented that there was likelihood for the company to use harmful chemicals that will affect them hence the need for both the company and government officials to come up and tell the public what exactly was going on.
Other members of the public lamented that the company was likely to bring in machines which will displace artisanal miners who have, for decades, benefited from mining activities.
“As artisanal miners, we expected to benefit from these natural resources for years and pass it over to our grandchildren and great grandchildren but once this company steps with machines and chemicals, we are doomed” said a villager, Everline Achieng.
Area MCA, Gordon Onguru said that the meeting was properly convened adding that he had invited both government and local mining companies, including Amlight co. Ltd officials to attend and shed light on their activities.
Contacted, Siaya county police commander, Mr. Cleti Kimaiyo confirmed the incident, saying that a team of senior administration and police officers were on the ground.
“The Rarieda sub county police commander, the sub county head of directorate of criminal investigations and the assistant county commissioner are already on the ground” he said
Two killed as villagers storm gold mining company in Rarieda
