By MN Reporter
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has said they plan to move to court to compel regulation at Macalder gold and copper mines in Nyatike sub-county.
Programs advisor at KHRC Furaha Charo said as activist they have raised alarm over the incessant violation of human rights at the mines left by colonialists which has seen death and environmental crime being committed in the area.
“We have received complaints from small scale artisanal miners over risks associated with their work environment, the issues have been brought to the attention of relevant authorities concerned with exploration of mineral sources,” she said.
She said despite earlier orders, both county and government officials have been adamant to take action .
“As an on organization we shall expedite investigations to the cause of deaths of small scale gold miners and ensure that the culprits are charged,” she said.
She was reacting to recent death of two miners in the area after exploration work by a firm controlled by Chinese and senior county government leaders left weak mines behind.
Isaiah Okoth, chairperson of Nyakaresi , a community based organization that champions for the rights of artisanal miners said they are yet to know how foreigners who have been exploiting the locals gained access to the hill.
Despite the operation license of some of the companies having been revoked, locals here are now demanding for compensations.
The Nyatike Mineral Marketing Co-operative Society they filed a petition in the Environment and Lands Court, Migori High Court, within Migori town and sued Cabinet Secretary- Ministry of Petroleum and Mining, Director of Mines and Geology.
Other people sued were Khalif Abdi Hassan, Nuo Kenya Company Limited, Ready Consultancy Company Limited and Attorney General where orders were given against Invasion of public land by the respondents, non-payment of royalties, Illegal process of licences and land degradation.
Area Nyatike MP Tom Odege also moved to court and sued Cabinet Secretary for Petroleum and Mining, Director of Mines, Lijin Mining Company and Attorney General where he got orders to stop the mines.
