Vihiga and Siaya residents protest forced evictions for gold mining
By Enock Amukhale, December 9, 2025Residents from Vihiga and Siaya Counties have staged protests to oppose the proposal by the National government to evict them to pave the way for Gold mining.
Transport and businesses were paralysed on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, after residents living in gold-rich Ramula and Munungo area barricaded the Akala-Luanda busy road to protest the eviction plan.
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The residents said they are not ready to leave their plots to pave the way for Gold mining by a private miner.
The charged residents refuted claims that 70% consent has been obtained from landowners and miners.
They decried that many landowners were not informed or consulted on the plans to evict them to pave the way for Gold mining.
“We want the Ministry of Mining to verify letters directly with the community. The ministry should also investigate claims of coercion, intimidation and falsification of signatures,” chanted the residents.
The protesting residents decried that there was no genuine public participation, there was no inclusive dialogue and no verified consultations with the mining community or affected landowners.
“We have never met Shanta Gold mining officials, and no agreement has ever been made regarding vacating the plots for mining,” said the charged residents.
The residents also raised their concerns over intimidation and the misuse of police officers to arrest them arbitrarily.
“We request the Ministry of Mining not to allow itself to be used to intimidate locals. All engagements should be conducted with respect and transparency,” said the residents.
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The Ramula-Munungo residents also said they want the Ministry of Lands and Mining to personally visit the site and meet the affected residents.
They also demand proper verification of consent letters Stanta Gold obtained for inspection of the site.
“We are demanding inclusive meetings with all stakeholders, including Stanta Gold, so that arrangements can be made to protect the welfare of the affected community,” they said.
They added:” We are asking the police to stop forceful evictions or operations until proper consultation and agreement is reached.”
They said they do not want what happened in Ikolomani in Kakamega County to happen in their area, where people lost their lives. They asked the government to handle the matter with peace, dignity and respect.
The demonstrating residents were led by their representatives, led by Charles Omondi, William Onyango and Silus Asitiba.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has asked the residents to remain peaceful as the area leaders try to look for a peaceful and lasting solution.