Siaya Governor James Orengo has called on the national government to strengthen public participation and safeguard community rights in the ongoing dispute between residents of Ramula in Gem Sub-County and Shanta Gold Limited.
Speaking at a press briefing in Siaya, Orengo emphasized that public participation is not a mere formality but a constitutional requirement anchored in Articles 10 and 69 of the 2010 Constitution. He stressed that communities must be fully involved in decisions affecting natural resource exploitation, noting that transparency and accountability are central to sustainable development.
Orengo’s remarks come amid protests by Ramula residents over the manner in which mining operations are being conducted at the Ramula Gold Mine in East Gem Ward. Locals have raised concerns about inadequate consultation and lack of clarity on how the project will benefit the community.
Orengo insisted that no mining project should proceed without full compliance with constitutional provisions on public participation and environmental governance. He underscored that the County Government can only issue a letter of no objection once residents have been adequately consulted and their concerns addressed
Accompanied by former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju, Orengo condemned alleged cases of intimidation and police brutality against Ramula residents. He urged security agencies to respect human rights and act professionally, warning that enforcement actions must not undermine constitutional protections or erode public trust in state institutions.
He also called upon the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs to take cognizance of the rights and interests of Ramula residents and ensure that mining operations comply with national legal frameworks and community protection standards.
Tuju noted that Siaya is among counties endowed with valuable gold deposits, emphasized that mineral wealth must contribute meaningfully to local development. He argued that equitable frameworks in resource management should serve as a model for other western Kenya counties, including Kakamega, Kisumu, and Homa Bay. “People from these areas do not have coffee or tea; they only have this little one,” Tuju remarked, stressing the importance of fair and transparent governance in mining.
Governor Orengo assured Ramula residents that their grievances will be addressed in the upcoming court case scheduled for April 28, 2024. He reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment to justice, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law, promising that all administrative and legal processes will strictly follow constitutional provisions.
By Fredrick Odiero
Get more stories from our website:Sacco Review.
For comments and clarifications, write to: Saccoreview@
Kindly follow us via our social media pages on Facebook:Sacco Review Newspaperfor timely updates
Stay ahead of the pack! Grab the latest Sacco Review newspaper!
