Residents of Ramula and Munungo villages in Siaya and Vihiga counties have accused a gold mining firm of obtaining a consent to mine fraudulently.

The residents allege Shanta Gold Mining Company Limited took advantage of their innocence and illiteracy to hoodwink them to sign documents allegedly giving an okay to the company to take over their land for mining purposes.

Speaking at Muodi Gin Ramula during a community meeting that brought together residents of Siaya and Vihiga counties, the people appealed to the national government to revoke the consents, failing will compel them to seek legal redress from the courts.

Through lawyer Willis Otieno the residents said fresh negotiations will have to take place before any activity could take place the area. Otieno said he has already written to the relevant government agencies as well as the foreign investor over the same, adding that majority of the residents of Munungo and Ramula have not given consent for any type of mining on their land.

Otieno said the community will resist attempts to undermine the rule of law by the company through government law enforcement agencies. He especially took issue with the local police and directorate of criminal investigation officers who were being used to harass and intimidate anybody opposed to the gold mining company operations in the area.

“We have petitioned the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) to take legal action against the officers and ensure that the residents are given a right to make informed decision,” said lawyer Otieno.

The community led by William Onyango Oricho and Philister Obura said it will not allow any mining activity without their consent.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Philip Onyango