West Pokot residents are protesting and accusing brokers of mining gold without involvement of all stakeholders and proper public participation in the entire county.

Residents who read mischief in the mining process have raised concern over dirty deals, lack of transparency and accountability in the gold mining process.

The residents led by Paul Ngolesya from the Pokot elders forum said there is a need for proper explanations on how the county will benefit from the minerals’ royalties.

The residents who protested in Kapenguria accused some leaders of colluding with only one investor who is said to have been licensed to mine gold in the region.

According to residents, some individuals are using the back door to get gold and other minerals from the County.

They urged a section of leaders, MPs, members of the county assembly, area senator and other county leaders to come out clear over the matter.

A youth, Nathan Pkemoi lamented that the area Governor has been sidelined by the licensed investor adding that the gold mining process in the County lacks transparency with some investors using few individuals to break the law with impunity.

Alex Mitila, another youth, said that they want the process to benefit everyone and not few leaders with brokers who surround investors.

Gold mining is taking place in Orwa, Kambi Karaya, Lami Nyeusi, Lous, Orwa, Masol, Turkwel, Muruny, Seker and parts of Alale, while limestone deposits are found in Sebit, Ortum, and Muino areas of West Pokot County. 

This comes a few months after the Government stopped large scale mining activities in more than 500 mining sites in West Pokot County following increased deaths and environmental degradation, pollution, unlicensed operations, and unsafe working conditions.