The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader, Oburu Odinga, has issued immediate orders to gold company operators in Gem Constituency.
In a statement issued after his visit to Ramula, Oburu Odinga said he was disturbed by what he described as an atmosphere of fear and lack of transparency surrounding the presence of a company referred to as Shanta.
“During my visit to Ramula today, I was deeply disturbed by the atmosphere of fear and the lack of transparency surrounding the presence of Shanta, a company unknown to me and unaccountable to this community,” Oburu stated.
He noted that the company was unknown to him and appeared unaccountable to the local community, raising concerns over its operations and engagement in the area.
Further, Oburu stated that leadership is a sacred public trust that must be upheld through transparency and accountability, warning that this trust is violated when force is used in place of clarity in managing community affairs.
Oburu Orders Halt of Operations, Security Withdrawal in Ramula Crackdown
In his statement, Oburu Odinga demanded the immediate suspension of operations by a company referred to as Shanta until full transparency is established over its activities in Ramula.
He further called for the immediate release of individuals arrested in connection with the situation.
“Furthermore, I call for the immediate release of those arrested and the total withdrawal of GSU and police officers from the area,” Oburu ordered.
The statement also directed the total withdrawal of GSU and police officers deployed in the area.
He said the community deserves peace rooted in dignity and mutual respect rather than one enforced through intimidation or armed presence.
Alarm Over Killings, State Repression, and Shanta Gold Operations in Gem-Ramula
In a statement on April 10, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) raised concern over killings and alleged state repression linked to mining activities in Gem-Ramula, Siaya County, on April 6, 2026, where two residents, Henry Otieno and Jack Omenda, were reportedly killed following a confrontation involving police and community members.
The organization also reported ongoing police harassment and intimidation of local residents connected to disputes over mining operations linked to Shanta Gold Limited.
Also Read: Three Dead, 10 Injured As Residents Protest Relocation for Gold Mining
KHRC noted that Shanta Gold has conducted exploration in Ramula–Mwibona and surrounding areas for several years, and tensions escalated after the company announced in 2022 that it had discovered commercially viable gold.
According to the statement, the project has been marked by limited transparency and minimal community engagement, contributing to fear, mistrust, and rising tensions within the local population.
The commission further alleged that the company’s operations have continued under state protection, including the deployment of police against unarmed residents seeking accountability.
The Ramula-Mwibona Gold Mining Project
The disputed Ramula-Mwibona gold mining project, located in the Siaya and Vihiga counties of western Kenya, is a development being spearheaded by Shanta Gold Limited, and the project is designed as an open-pit mining operation.
Also Read: Details of Company Behind Discovery of Ksh680 Billion Gold in Kakamega
Through Otieno Ogola & Company Advocates, the Ramula residents submitted a formal objection to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), challenging a planned public hearing on the project by Shanta Gold Kenya Limited.
The law firm argues that the company has failed to disclose the exact location and parcel numbers for the proposed mining area, exposing private and ancestral land to potential acquisition.
It further states that some of the land is privately owned and protected under the Constitution, requiring express consent from landowners before any mining activities can proceed, a consent that the firm says has not been obtained.
The lawyers also contend that part of the land is unregistered community land held in trust by the County Government of Siaya, and therefore cannot be used without approval from both the community and the county government.
