BY MANUEL ODENY

The senate will probe two Migori leaders over violent clashes at Macalder gold mines where four police officers a dozen others were hurt with a car burnt.

Migori senator Eddy Oketch said he sought a statement from the floor of the house over the clashes were youths allied to Migori governor Ochillo Ayacko and Macalder-Kanyarwanda MCA Felix Okwanyo clashed.

He said the statement will see a special committee formed to probe the chaos and give “a balanced and fair platform for people investigate and understanding the issues around the mining sector.”

“The statement was meant to shade light not only on the chaotic Macalder mines but others in Migori county to help know what interests leaders are trying to safeguard,” Oketch said.

He said gold and copper mines have been key back bone to help Migori residents and investors, both national and international, should be queried on how they are benefiting locals.

“These investors only give meagure resources and reap millions but leave Migori people poorer,” he said.

Oketch said he decided to seek comment over the chaos before the senate to first establish facts and figures instead of relying on rumour which might have caused the earlier clash.

“There was chaos between the governor and the MCA, the reason why they pitted people against each other must be investigated,” he sid.

He said the senate will also seek a statement from the ministry of mining.

“The senate will commence the investigations by a special committee soon after the Busia senate mashinani sitting,” Oketch added.

He said as an elected leader he always seeks to get facts right in matters affecting the people like when government gazetted land in Macalder as a forest.

“I did the same method through a senate special statement while others choose alternative routes, I was able to know genuine and encroachers and had the gazette notice set aside,” Oketch said.

He said a special sitting help to set the record straight.