The government is under intense scrutiny for its silence on illegal gold mining in West Pokot County following the deaths of four miners in Karon village, Turkwel, on Saturday.
This incident has intensified the ongoing criticism of unregulated artisanal mining, which has repeatedly resulted in fatalities and environmental degradation in the region.
Over the past five years, West Pokot has seen a surge in deaths related to gold mining. Locals and leaders have blamed lax oversight, claiming that rogue investors operate with impunity, allegedly protected by local authorities and the police.
Government on the spot over deaths linked to illegal gold mining in West Pokot
Leaders, including Senator Julius Murgor, Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto, and former Governor John Lonyangapuo, have demanded the suspension of mining activities until proper safety and licensing protocols are in place.
“The miners must have licences, which many of them don't. I raised this issue with the Cabinet Secretary for Mining but nothing has changed. The police are protecting illegal operations. Meanwhile, rivers are polluted, people are drinking dirty water and the county government remains silent it’s shameful,” the senator said.
Mr Murgor also criticised Cabinet Secretaries Ali Hassan Joho and Kipchumba Murkomen for their inaction.
“We now have orphans thanks to these unsafe goldmines. The county security team has been compromised,” he said.
Prof Lonyangapuo claimed that foreign investors have taken over what was once a safe, traditional practice among locals.
Dr Moroto criticised the politicisation of the issue. “Why aren’t our leaders speaking up? Our governor has failed us. The police protect illegal miners even as mining destroys public institutions such as Loloch Primary School. Where is the Ministry of Education? Where is the security?” he asked.
Mr Moses Lomungura, the West Pokot Disaster Risk Management Officer, urged residents to exercise caution.
“Mining supports livelihoods, but deaths are becoming too frequent. We’ve conducted awareness campaigns, but enforcement is lacking,” he said.
Residents also expressed their anger at the use of heavy machinery, saying that it has made mining more hazardous.
“We don’t want graders and excavators. They dig deep pits and leave them unguarded. That’s how people die,” said Richard Tameto, a resident of Turkwel.
Governor Simon Kachapin denied that land was being sold to investors and attributed the accusations to political rivalry.
“All leaders must come together to resolve this. The situation is volatile—clans are fighting. We need urgent safety interventions in mining zones.”
County Commissioner Khalif Abdullahi defended his decision to announce the imminent opening of a county mining office within two weeks. He accused unnamed local leaders of inciting the public against the police.
“Mining must be handled carefully, with a proper understanding of legal frameworks,” he said. “I’m in talks with the relevant ministry, and officials will visit the county before month-end. This can only be solved by the ministry and regulatory bodies.”
County Police Commandant Abdulahi Jiree said that the police would uphold the law, and called for cooperation from local leaders.
