A reported gold discovery in Cheparor village in Kapenguria constituency, West Pokot county has sparked a massive influx of fortune seekers, with thousands of people flocking the area.

Videos reviewed by The Star showed large crowds spread across an open piece of land, digging with rudimentary tools while others scooped soil into basins and sacks before carrying it away.

The footage captured men and women working side by side, with some digging shallow pits while others queued to collect the excavated soil, apparently intending to examine it further elsewhere for traces of the precious metal.

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According to information circulating online, the rush was triggered after two boys reportedly stumbled upon what was believed to be gold in the area.

However, it remains unclear whether the discovery was an isolated find or whether the location contains commercially viable gold deposits.

Authorities had not confirmed the reports.

The video also showed people arriving from different directions, with some reports claiming that fortune seekers had travelled from neighbouring Uganda and other parts of Kenya after news of the reported discovery spread.

The scenes resembled previous gold rushes witnessed in parts of western Kenya, where reports of mineral discoveries have often attracted large numbers of artisanal miners hoping for quick fortunes.

Kenya has in recent years renewed interest in gold mining following significant exploration activities, particularly in Kakamega county, where confirmed deposits have attracted large-scale investment alongside longstanding artisanal mining.

West Pokot is also among the counties known for artisanal gold mining, with small-scale operations taking place in several areas.

The region has previously experienced safety concerns linked to informal mining, prompting calls for tighter regulation of mining activities.

Whether the excitement in Cheparor will develop into a sustained mining operation remains uncertain, with residents and prospectors awaiting confirmation on the nature of the reported discovery.