Ramula Violence Mining Dispute Siaya

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The government has moved to calm tensions in Ramula Gem Constituency in Siaya following violent clashes linked to a proposed gold mining project

Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai described the situation as a breakdown of lawful public participation driven by misinformation and internal community divisions.

According to the PS, there are disagreements between residents willing to relocate for the proposed gold mining project and those opposed to it.

“As of yesterday, we have been informed that lives have been lost and several houses burnt,” Kimtai said, terming the situation “deeply unfortunate.”

He noted that some of the houses targeted belong to residents who had agreed to relocate, suggesting the violence is being used to intimidate and block the process.

"What we are seeing is no longer genuine public participation. When people start burning houses of those willing to move, that becomes criminality,” he said.

Kimtai revealed that the ministry is concerned that a section of the community is deliberately avoiding formal engagement channels, instead resorting to disruption whenever company representatives attempt to consult locals.

"They are not coming forward to engage the ministry on licensing issues. Instead, when the company engages the community, they cause disruptions,” he said.

The PS attributed much of the tension to widespread misinformation, particularly claims that the mining project will result in forced evictions.

"There is a wrong narrative that people will be removed from their land by force. That is not true, and it is not provided for in law,” he clarified.

He emphasized that Kenyan mining laws require strict adherence to due process before any relocation can take place.

“No one will be moved unless they have been fully compensated and provided with alternative land. That is a legal requirement,” he said.

Kimtai disclosed that due to the unrest and lack of consensus, the company behind the project, Shanta Gold has requested an extension of time before commencing operations.

Under the law, licensed companies are required to begin mining within six months, but the prevailing tensions have made this difficult.

“The company has asked for more time because sections of the community are yet to give their consent,” he said.

He added that the government is respecting a court ruling that allows the process to continue, but only for those who voluntarily agree to relocate.

"The court was clear that those willing to move should be allowed to engage and be resettled in suitable areas of their choice,” he said.

Despite the unrest, the PS maintained that the Ramula project carries significant economic benefits that should not be overlooked.

He outlined that the host county will receive 20 percent of royalties, while the local community will get 10 percent, in addition to one percent of gross gold sales.

“These are direct benefits meant to uplift both the county and the community,” he said.

To de-escalate tensions, the State Department for Mining has deployed officers on the ground to work with the company and local leaders in engaging residents.

The aim, Kimtai said, is to rebuild trust and ensure the community fully understands the project and its safeguards.

"We have seconded officers to help bring the community closer and ensure proper communication,” he said.

At the same time, he called on law enforcement agencies to act decisively against those behind the violence.

“Those burning houses and inciting conflict must be arrested and prosecuted. We cannot allow lawlessness,” he said.

Kimtai urged residents to resolve their differences through dialogue and legal frameworks, warning that continued unrest could derail a project he described as key to economic development.

“We want those willing to move to do so peacefully, without intimidation. Let us follow the law and allow the process to move forward,” he said.