Leaders, residents, and miners from Ikolomani are calling for the immediate release of those who were arrested following last week’s confrontation, when residents protested against the proposed Sh600 billion gold mining project in the area.
The leaders now say they are ready for dialogue with the government to restore calm, requesting time to engage both miners and landowners before any activities take place.
The incident left three people shot dead and more than sixty arrested.
Residents want the government to engage the community and resolve the issues behind the resistance, arguing that a compromise can be reached if both Shanta Gold Mining Company and the State clearly communicate how the project will be implemented.
Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali said he may sue the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) over damages caused at a school during the meeting that ended in chaos.
“Shanta Gold and NEMA should repair the school because, without your meeting, the school would not have been damaged. Fix it so that when children return in January, learning can continue; otherwise, we will go to court, “he said.
Police continue to patrol the area as residents and leaders remain divided, with some supporting the project while others firmly oppose it.
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