NAROK, Kenya — At least one person was shot dead by police on Saturday evening after clashes erupted in Lolgorian, Transmara South, during an operation to evict miners from the Kilimapesa mining site.
The confrontation followed the government’s decision to indefinitely close the mining site after a deadly tunnel collapse that claimed five lives.
Area police commander Enrico Telewa told Citizen TV by phone that officers had arrested four miners and taken them to Lolgorian Police Station.
The arrests sparked unrest after hundreds of residents reportedly stormed the station in an attempt to secure the release of the miners.
Police responded as protesters pelted officers with stones and damaged property at the station, according to authorities.
An unknown number of people were injured during the confrontation.
Residents Raise Ownership Concerns
Residents have also alleged that powerful individuals are seeking to privatise the community-owned mining site at Kilima Pesa.
The latest clashes come days after the government stepped up its crackdown on illegal mining activities following the collapse at the Kilimapesa gold mine, which killed five people and left several others trapped underground.
Government Orders Mining Crackdown
Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho subsequently directed authorities to intensify the nationwide crackdown on illegal mining and warned that individuals found violating the Mining Act would face legal action.
The government said the measures were intended to improve compliance with mining regulations, protect lives and promote responsible development of the country’s mineral resources.
Joho also directed authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Kilimapesa mine collapse and ensure that anyone found responsible for endangering lives through negligence or illegal mining activities is held accountable.
The latest confrontation has heightened tensions in Lolgorian as authorities move to enforce the closure of the mining site.
