Kakamega governor takes side in Ikolomani gold rift, opposes relocation of locals
Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Barasa has objected to plans to relocate residents of Ikolomani Sub-county to enable a British company extract gold in the area with an estimated value of Shs 683 billion.
Barasa instead says the firm, Shanta Gold Limited should utilize modern technology in extracting the precious stone without affecting the livelihoods of locals.
“I am in support of the mining activities in Ikolomani Sub-county but will not accept people to be displaced. We must ensure a win win situation for both the locals and the investor,” said Barasa.
Barasa said the establishment of gold deposits in Bushiangala and Isulu in the Sub-county seemed to have turned into a curse with the project destined to improve the economic status of the area lying in limbo due to some unresolved issues.
He said: “This is a great economic activity for locals, the county and country as a whole. We should therefore not politicise it. Soberiety should prevail as we deliberate on the way forward to ensuring that it succeeds.”
The Governor said this on Tuesday after presiding over the swearing in of two new members of the Kakamega County Public Service Board (CPSB) at the County Chambers.
The two, Immaculate Noreah Khabetsa and Harrison Ombwoyo Omuche will join five other members sworn in May fully constituting the Board.
In attendance were Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, County Assembly Speaker James Namatsi, Members of the County Assembly led by Majority Leader Philip Maina and a host of County Executive Committee Members.
The establishment of gold deposits in the area has starred controversy that saw residents stage violent protests last week over plans to mine the mineral leaving four people dead.
The protests erupted during a meeting called by Nation Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) to gather local community and stakeholders views on the proposed mining project that could see over 800 households relocated.
Locals are opposed to the proposal to relocate them from their ancestral lands
