At least four people have been killed in violent clashes linked to the proposed Kakamega gold mining project, barely a month after city lawyer Yashim Butende warned that the multi-billion-shilling venture could descend into tragedy if legal and safety safeguards were ignored.
The deaths were reported in the Isulu–Bushiangala area of Ikolomani Sub-County, where tensions have been escalating over plans to develop a gold mine estimated to be worth more than Sh600 billion. According to Citizen Digital, the latest victim died while receiving treatment after sustaining gunshot wounds during confrontations between police and protesting residents. Several others were injured during the unrest.
A warning that now haunts the project
In November, Butende publicly raised alarm over the project, cautioning that rushed approvals, weak public participation and unsafe operational conditions could lead to loss of life. His warning, published by The Voice Kenya, called for strict adherence to mining laws, environmental regulations and community consultation requirements.
He warned that failure to protect local communities from forced displacement and unsafe operations would “inevitably result in conflict and bloodshed.”
Barely weeks later, those concerns appear to have been borne out.
*Chaos at public forum*
The deadly clashes reportedly broke out during a public participation forum organised by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), where residents had gathered to discuss the proposed mining activities.
What began as protests quickly turned violent as residents accused authorities and the mining company of sidelining their concerns over land rights, compensation and environmental risks. Police responded by firing live bullets to disperse the crowd. Several people were shot and property was damaged during the chaos.
Local officials confirmed that dozens of people were arrested in connection with the violence, among them two Members of the County Assembly (MCAs).
*A gold discovery turning deadly*
The Kakamega gold deposit was initially hailed as one of Kenya’s most valuable mineral finds in recent history. Authorities said the project, licensed to a foreign-linked mining firm, would create jobs and deliver major economic benefits to the region.
However, local residents maintain they were inadequately consulted, key project documents were not translated into local languages, and families living on the affected land were never given clear details on compensation or resettlement plans.
As tensions simmer, pressure is mounting on government agencies to address the grievances before the situation deteriorates further.