- Four people have died after violent clashes in Isulu, Ikolomani.
- Two MCAs are among the 63 individuals arrested by police.
- Several victims, including police officers, are still in critical condition.
The tension in Isulu, Ikolomani, escalated on Thursday as the death toll from the clashes rose to four. One of the victims died while receiving treatment at Kakamega County General Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Three more people with gunshot wounds were transferred to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Referral Hospital in Kisumu. Two police officers injured during the confrontation are also fighting for their lives.
Police have confirmed that 63 people were arrested during and after the unrest. Idaho Central MCA Akidias Liyai and nominated MCA Anne Muluwale are among those in custody. Authorities claim the two ward leaders helped finance the protests that later turned violent.
Outside Kakamega Central Police Station, anxious families gathered throughout the day, pleading for the release of their relatives. Many accused officers of harassing residents during late-night operations.
Survivor Victor Alvin narrated how he narrowly escaped death after being shot during the chaos.
Another family reported that their loved one was hit by a bullet in the leg while standing outside a shop when the violence broke out.
Streets in Isulu were left scattered with burning objects as residents protested against the proposed mining project and clashed with officers deployed to contain the situation.
The conflict stems from a British-owned mining company’s announcement that it had discovered one of Kenya’s largest gold deposits in the region. The gold, valued at about KSh 683 billion, was confirmed through an Environmental Impact Assessment submitted to NEMA by the company’s Kenyan subsidiary.
The report states that the Isulu-Bushiangala underground site holds an estimated 1.27 million ounces of gold.
However, the project requires roughly 337 acres of land, most of it privately owned. This could displace nearly 800 families, sparking fear, anger, and strong resistance among locals.
Communities from Isulu, Bushiangala, and Musoli have submitted a memorandum to NEMA objecting to the project. They argue that consultations were inadequate and that the mine would destroy their environment and livelihoods.
In their memorandum, the residents say:
“We object to the approval of this project because it is a private commercial venture, not a public purpose project, and therefore cannot lawfully acquire ancestral land without consent.”
The dispute continues to deepen, with families demanding justice for those killed and injured, and the future of the mining project facing increasing uncertainty.
