Luhya Elders Summon Sifuna, Osotsi Over Kakamega Gold Mining Dispute

A major push to ease tensions in Kakamega’s mineral-rich Ikolomani area is now underway, after senior Luhya elders reached out to political leaders over the growing conflict surrounding gold mining in the region. 

According to details gathered from early reports — including insights first highlighted in our earlier coverage — the elders have taken it upon themselves to prevent the situation from escalating further.

On Thursday, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi met with the Luhya Elders Forum after being summoned to explain what residents view as a looming threat to their land and livelihoods. 

The meeting came at a time when emotions in Ikolomani remain high, with fears that outside forces may seize control of the multibillion-shilling gold deposits.

Speaking after the meeting, Sifuna said the elders were particularly concerned about two issues: the future of gold mining in Kakamega and the government’s plan to set up Kenya’s first nuclear power plant in neighbouring Siaya County. 

He assured the elders that both he and Osotsi would use their positions to ensure the voices of residents are not ignored.

The elders’ intervention comes days after violent confrontations in Ikolomani left three people dead. 

The clashes erupted during protests against what residents described as an attempt to push small-scale miners away from the land they have depended on for years. 

Many locals fear that once large commercial companies take over operations, they will be left without jobs, income, or compensation.

Experts estimate the value of the gold deposits in Ikolomani to be around Ksh680 billion. Despite this enormous potential, residents insist that mining should not move forward without proper safeguards. 

Some say they are willing to cooperate with future investors, but only if the community is given clear guarantees that their livelihoods will not be destroyed in the process.

A community elder who participated in the meeting explained that they stepped in because the gold issue is slowly turning into a serious security and political problem. 

He noted that the Luhya community had a responsibility to protect its people from exploitation and ensure that the region benefits from its natural resources.

Meanwhile, concerns are also rising in Siaya after the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency identified the county as the proposed site for Kenya’s first nuclear power plant. 

The project, estimated to cost Ksh490 billion, has drawn mixed reactions. While the government argues that nuclear power is necessary to boost Kenya’s energy supply and support long-term economic growth, residents and energy experts have raised questions about safety, cost, and feasibility.

According to international specialists, nuclear projects often take decades to complete and can be extremely expensive to maintain. 

These issues have left Siaya residents uneasy, fearing that the project could be imposed on them without proper consultation or environmental safeguards.

Because the Senate plays a critical oversight role in matters affecting counties, Sifuna and Osotsi are expected to push for greater transparency. 

They can demand clear explanations from the Ministry of Mining and the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), and they can question Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho on whether the interests of local communities are being protected.

The elders emphasized that they are not opposing development but want a fair process that respects the rights of residents. 

Their message to the senators was clear: the people of Western Kenya must be part of any decision involving their land, resources, and safety.