Violence erupted in Kakamega’s Ikolomani area last week as residents clashed with police over a proposed gold-mining project by Shanta Gold, prompting concerns over State intervention in local resource management.
At least three people were killed and dozens injured, including police officers and journalists, during confrontations over the planned relocation of around 800 households.
The unrest followed a public participation forum organized by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to discuss the Sh683 billion project.
Protesters reportedly vandalized school facilities, tents, and public-address equipment in demonstrations against the relocation and perceived disregard for community interests.
Police have since detained multiple suspects linked to the violence.
Reacting to the incident, lawyer Willis Otieno warned of the dangers posed by state-backed resource exploitation.
“What we are witnessing in Kakamega is the early shadow of the resource curse, a well-documented phenomenon where governments, instead of protecting their people, protect the minerals from their people,” Otieno said.
He added that the cycle of intimidation can escalate into full-scale conflict if left unchecked.
Otieno urged authorities to reconsider the handling of mineral resources, emphasizing that natural wealth should benefit local communities rather than become a catalyst for violence.
“Minerals must never become a trigger for State brutality. They should be a blessing to communities, not a death sentence. If the government continues down this road, it risks creating the very instability it claims to be preventing,” he said.
The situation in Kakamega recalls previous instances in Kenya and the wider East African region where mineral projects triggered local unrest, highlighting the need for transparent community engagement and robust environmental and social safeguards.