The National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining has expressed serious concern over the increasing number of deaths resulting from illegal mining activities along the border of Sigor and Turkana South constituencies in West Pokot and Turkana counties.
During a sitting held today at Parliament Buildings, the Committee Chairperson, Hon. Vincent Musyoka (Mwala), led members in addressing the alarming reports. Legislators from the affected areas, Hon. Titus Lotee (Kacheliba) and Hon. Joseph Emathe (Turkana Central), raised distressing accounts of fatalities linked to unsafe and unlawful mining practices in the region.
Hon. Lotee reported that four people from his constituency lost their lives last week due to illegal mining. He condemned the use of heavy machinery to bury the victims in an inhumane manner and accused the perpetrators of acting with impunity under police protection.
“This Committee must act urgently. The situation on the ground is dire. Some families never saw the bodies of their loved ones who were hastily buried near the mining sites. We must visit the area and witness firsthand what is happening,” said Hon. Lotee.
Hon. Emathe raised further alarm over the use of cyanide, a highly toxic chemical reportedly being transported openly into the area. He noted the serious health and environmental dangers posed by these activities.
“This substance can kill within minutes, yet it is being moved in broad daylight. Despite acknowledging that the mining is illegal, the Principal Secretary for Mining could not explain why it continues. Where is NEMA? Who is enforcing the law?” Hon. Emathe asked.
In response, the Committee resolved to carry out an urgent fact-finding mission to the affected sites. Chairperson Hon. Musyoka emphasized the need for immediate action to protect lives and the environment.
“We must move swiftly to safeguard the people of Turkana, West Pokot, and any other affected regions. We have seen disturbing photos, but we must go on the ground. We will involve all relevant stakeholders in our visit to establish the truth,” he stated.
This decision follows the recent appearance of the Principal Secretary for Mining, Mr. Harry Kimtai, before the Committee. He had been summoned to respond to concerns raised in Parliament by Hon. Dr. Ariko Namoit (Turkana South), Hon. Peter Lochakapong’ (Sigor), and the late Hon. Ong’ondo Were (Kasipul) regarding the devastating effects of illegal mining in their constituencies.
The Committee is expected to present its findings and recommendations after the field visit and convene a meeting with the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs to discuss appropriate interventions.
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