By Dawan Africa - Admin
Kenya, 7 April 2026 - Tension is reaching a boiling point in Ramula, Gem sub-county, as political leaders and residents clash with security forces over a controversial police operation tied to gold mining interests.
Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo has issued a sharp warning to police, urging restraint amid growing accusations of excessive force. He revealed he has engaged the area police commander, pressing for calm and measured policing.
“We want peace without unnecessary alarm. Officers must avoid shooting aimlessly to scare protesters,” said Odhiambo, signaling rising concern over how the operation is being handled.
At the heart of the crisis is the deployment of the General Service Unit (GSU), Kenya’s paramilitary police wing, following violent protests that have already claimed two lives, left dozens injured, and seen at least five homes torched.
The unrest erupted after demonstrators attacked Ramula Police Post and targeted homes linked to individuals supporting Shanta Gold’s investment project. The company has begun a resettlement and compensation programme affecting over 1,200 households—fueling deep divisions within the community.
Now, Siaya County Assembly leaders are demanding the immediate withdrawal of GSU officers, arguing their presence is worsening an already volatile situation.
Speaker George Okode, addressing the press at the County Assembly grounds alongside Majority Leader Edwin Otieno and several MCAs, painted a grim picture of a region under siege.
“Ramula is deserted. Businesses are shut, health services disrupted, and fear has taken over. The continued presence of GSU is paralysing normal life,” Okode said.
He warned that heavy-handed tactics risk deepening the crisis rather than resolving it.
“We cannot allow lives, homes, and livelihoods to be destroyed in the name of mining. Dialogue—not force—must lead the way,” he added, calling on Interior PS Raymond Omollo to intervene and broker talks.
Other leaders echoed the alarm, accusing security forces of intimidation and fuelling fear among residents.
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East Gem MCA Seth Baraka claimed officers disrupted a media briefing and pursued him, forcing him to flee despite identifying himself as a public official.
“The mere presence of GSU at Ramula Centre is intimidation. People are fleeing their homes,” he said.
Yala Township MCA William Kinyanyi questioned the cost of the mining project in human terms.
“Why should people die for gold to be extracted? The government must protect citizens just as it protects investors,” he said.
Meanwhile, violence continues to ripple through the area. A boda boda rider, identified as Ochieng, is recovering from serious injuries at Sagam Hospital after a night attack. Another resident, Omore, was also assaulted as insecurity deepened.
Leaders now warn Ramula risks becoming a full-blown conflict zone unless urgent de-escalation measures are taken.
Their message is clear: without trust, dialogue, and community inclusion, the promise of gold could turn into a prolonged and costly conflict.
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