Siaya Protests Police Deployment

More police officers have been deployed to Ramula in Gem Yala Sub-County, Siaya County, after two people were shot dead during a clash between locals and police.

The group had been protesting the operations of a gold mining site in the area on Monday when they stormed a local police station.

The situation turned violent and confrontational, leaving two protesters dead.

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Police said the two were fatally shot after they attacked the station and vandalised property.

Tension remained high into the evening, forcing authorities to send additional reinforcements amid fears of further unrest.

Officials said they fear more chaos on Tuesday, as local leaders have called meetings to address residents’ concerns.

The incident occurred when a large group of youths—estimated at about 2,000—marched towards Ramula Police Post in what police described as an unlawful demonstration targeting the operations of Shanta Gold.

Police linked the protests to misinformation surrounding the mining operations.

According to authorities, the group—comprising individuals from Luanda in neighbouring Vihiga County and local artisanal miners—had mobilised through social media before staging roadblocks across the area.

The situation escalated when protesters stormed the police post, pelting officers with stones and overpowering those on duty.

In the ensuing chaos, the attackers vandalised the facility, smashing windows, damaging police vehicles and attempting to set the administration block on fire.

Authorities said a half-litre bottle of petrol and a matchbox—suspected to have been intended for arson—were recovered outside the report office.

Police responded by firing tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowd but were reportedly overwhelmed by the large number of demonstrators.

During the confrontation, two unidentified male protesters were fatally shot within the police compound, officials said.

Several officers sustained injuries during the attack and were treated at Ramula Dispensary before being discharged in fair condition.

Security agencies have since deployed additional personnel to the area, with tensions remaining high as investigations begin.

The unrest highlights growing tensions between local communities and mining operations, with authorities urging calm as efforts to restore order continue.

Gold mining has increasingly become a sensitive issue in many areas due to rising demand and safety concerns.

The government has been working to improve safety in the sector following a rise in fatal accidents, including deaths caused by collapsing mining shafts.

A specialised police unit was also established to enforce regulations in the sector, although it continues to face resistance from some industry players.