Tensions are escalating in Ndira village, North Sakwa location, Siaya County, after residents accused a local family of illegally acquiring gold mining rights without the community’s consent. The dispute has ignited confrontations, prompting urgent calls for government intervention to prevent further unrest.
Speaking at Ndira trading centre, locals alleged that they have faced harassment and unlawful detention for engaging in artisanal mininga practice they say has sustained their livelihoods for generations. The controversy revolves around a mining licence allegedly issued to Evelyn Mutuku, whom residents claim obtained it without consulting landowners or local stakeholders.
Isaiah Otieno, chairman of the Ndira Artisanal Mining Sacco, said their mining operations were halted by the State Department of Mining, despite having applied for all necessary permits from the ministry and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
“To our shock, we were told we couldn’t proceed because Evelyn Mutuku had already been granted the licence,” Otieno said, adding that their documents were later withheld by officials.
Landowners Leonard Orwa Ogonyo and Helida Akoth Walori, a widow who depends on mining proceeds for medical care, voiced frustration over being sidelined in the process. George Adede Owuor, chairman of the Kowino Ojwang family—whose land is at the centre of the dispute—said he was twice detained at Bondo Police Station for questioning the licence issuance.
“We’re not against her having the licence, just not on our land,” Owuor asserted.
Residents now warn that the disruption has left dozens of young people jobless, demanding that local leaders and government agencies revoke the licence to restore peace.
When contacted, Evelyn Mutuku dismissed the allegations as baseless, insisting her licence was lawfully acquired through proper government channels.
“These are mere allegations driven by misinformation,” she said. “I followed all legal procedures, and due diligence was done by the authorities.”
Mutuku added that she is open to dialogue but stressed the need to respect the rule of law.
