By Judith Achieng and Rhayan Kanyandong
Governor James Orengo of Siaya County and former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju have intensified calls for enhanced public participation and strict adherence to constitutional provisions regarding the ongoing Ramula mining dispute.
During today’s courtesy meeting, the two leaders focused on the contested activities at the Ramula Gold Mine in East Gem Ward, where operations by Shanta Gold Limited have sparked concerns over environmental governance, community inclusion, and a lack of proper consultation.
Governor Orengo reiterated that public participation is a mandatory constitutional requirement under Articles 10 and 69 of the Constitution of Kenya (2010). He emphasized that these provisions are especially critical in matters involving the exploitation of natural resources, asserting that affected communities must be fully engaged before any mining project is approved. The Governor stressed the importance of ensuring that the specific grievances of Ramula residents are properly addressed.
Furthermore, Orengo called upon the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs to intervene and ensure compliance with national legal frameworks. He highlighted the need for seamless coordination between the county and national governments to safeguard community rights while simultaneously promoting investment.
Supporting this stance, Raphael Tuju noted that Siaya County is endowed with significant mineral wealth and urged the development of transparent governance systems. Tuju added that proper management of these resources could serve as a model for other counties.
The gravity of the situation was underscored by Charles Omondi Otieno, a resident of East Gem, who reported that locals are facing harassment, forceful evictions, and violence. According to Otieno, several residents have been arrested, others killed, and households set ablaze in incidents involving General Service Unit (GSU) officers deployed to the area. These remarks reflect a growing climate of fear regarding security operations linked to the land and mining conflict.
In response to these reports, Governor Orengo condemned the alleged cases of intimidation and police brutality. He urged security agencies to operate within the law and respect human rights.
Pledging his support to the picketing residents, the Governor announced that he and the County Attorney would attend the upcoming court hearing on April 28, 2026 to represent the community's interests and reaffirm the county’s commitment to the rule of law.
The Ramula mining dispute remains a pivotal case for the governance of natural resources in Kenya, highlighting the essential need for regulatory compliance and intergovernmental cooperation as all stakeholders await the court's final determination.