The Concerned Citizens Movement, alongside residents of Ramula in Siaya County and Mwibona in Vihiga County, has voiced strong opposition to the proposed Ramula-Mwibona Open Pit Mining Project by Shanta Gold Kenya Limited. The movement described the mining method as destructive and detrimental to both the environment and the livelihoods of local communities.
Speaking during a press briefing, Professor Fred Ogollah, a member of the movement, condemned the project’s plans to displace thousands of residents from their ancestral land.
“The proposed relocation of hundreds of thousands of locals to pave way for a mining project that benefits the company more than the community is unacceptable. This project threatens to uproot livelihoods and desecrate graves of our ancestors,” Ogollah said.
He noted that while the area has historically supported small-scale, environmentally friendly gold mining, Shanta Gold’s plans involve a highly invasive open pit method.
“Open pit mining destroys ecosystems, contaminates water and air, and leaves the land unusable. Shanta’s own project summary confirms that Ramula will be left with a hazardous open pit,” Ogollah added.
Opaque Operations Raise Red Flags
The movement criticized the lack of transparency in Shanta Gold’s operations. They alleged that the company has frequently changed its name and failed to engage local stakeholders adequately. Residents only learned of plans to acquire their land through an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report released last month by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
“The company has not consulted Mwibona residents at all. This is a gross violation of public participation rights enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution,” said local leaders.
Threat to Livelihoods
Registered artisanal mining groups, including the K’Opala Miners Self-Help Group and Bamboo Artisanal Miners, expressed fears of losing their land and only source of income.
“Our small-scale mining has sustained our families for generations. Evicting us without proper engagement is irresponsible and unjust,” said one of the miners.
Social Licence to Operate Denied
The movement stated that Shanta Gold lacks a social license to operate, given the widespread community resistance. They demanded detailed disclosures on the company’s corporate structure, mining licenses, and environmental compliance record.
“The company must provide evidence of past successful operations that adhered to environmental and social obligations. Additionally, they must stop intimidating residents through authorities and allow peaceful barazas for public participation,” Ogollah said.
Ultimatum Issued
The Concerned Citizens Movement has given Shanta Gold seven days to address their concerns in writing. Failure to do so, they warned, would result in a petition being filed at the High Court of Kenya.
Residents further called for intervention from the Siaya and Vihiga County governments, urging leaders to stand with their constituents and protect their rights. “We demand that the company listens to us and drops its plans for open pit mining. This is not just a local issue but a matter of national interest,” the movement concluded.
