At least five houses have been burned down in Gem–Ramula, Siaya County, as protests over an alleged eviction by Shanta Gold Limited spiraled into unrest.
Police say that their initial investigations indicate that the targeted properties belonged to villagers perceived to have softened their stance on the contentious company resettlement plan, an initiative that has sharply divided the community.
What began as discontent over the proposed eviction has since degenerated into retaliatory attacks, with neighbours turning against each other amid growing mistrust.
Gem Sub-county Police Commander Charles Wafula confirmed that the unrest also left a trail of destruction at Ramula Police Post. Seven police vehicles were vandalised, CCTV systems destroyed, and parts of the station extensively damaged during confrontations between officers and protesters.
“About 47 officers sustained injuries during the attack on the police post. The attackers also destroyed surveillance equipment and caused significant damage to the station,” Mr Wafula said.
According to the police boss, tensions have been fuelled by the presence of Shanta Gold officials on the ground conducting data validation for the resettlement programme.
Residents opposed to the plan have reportedly been targeting households of those who agreed to engage with the process, accusing them of betraying the wider community.
The violence comes despite a ruling by the Environment and Land Court in Siaya on February 5, 2026, which issued conservatory orders halting any forced evictions in Ramula and surrounding areas pending the hearing of a petition.
Security has since been reinforced in the area, particularly in villages where families seen to support the relocation plan are now living under threat.
“We have deployed additional personnel, including GSU officers, to restore order and ensure the safety of residents. We will not allow the situation to escalate further,” Mr Wafula added.
Siaya County Commissioner Norbert Komora leading security committee officials together with Shanta Gold officials during a site visit to inspect Shanta Gold’s housing project for project-affected persons in Gem, Siaya County.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
The latest clashes follow a deadly incident on Monday in which two people were shot during protests over the same dispute.
Police claim the victims were part of a group that attempted to storm the police station without prior notice of the demonstration, prompting officers to intervene.
“The group became violent and attacked officers and the station, damaging property including vehicles. Our officers responded to contain the situation,” Mr Wafula said.
However, a local human rights organisation has challenged that account, terming the killings unlawful.
In a statement, the Community Initiative Action Group Kenya (CIAG-K) said the two men, identified as Henry Otieno and Jack Omenda, were participating in a peaceful protest against what they described as forced eviction from ancestral land.
“The community had gathered peacefully to oppose Shanta Gold Limited’s attempt to evict them without consent. Police opened fire without warning following a confrontation at Ramula Market,” said CIAG-K Executive Director Chris Owalla.
