The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, through Cabinet Secretary (CS) Hassan Joho, responded on September 29, 2024, to reports of livestock fatalities at H-Nuo Kenya’s Company processing site in Nyatike, Migori County, reported on September 26.
In a statement, the ministry promised to delve into the matter and at the same time called on the security apparatus in Migori County to also investigate the matter.
“The Ministry is keen and wholly committed to establishing all facts that led to this unfortunate incident,” part of the statement read.
“The Cabinet Secretary for Mining. Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs through the Whole-Of-Government-Approach is tasking the security agencies under the County Commissioner together with other state agencies in Migori County to undertake intensive and extensive expedited investigations into this matter,” the statement read.
Number of cows that died
Earlier on, A multi-agency team with officers drawn from the Regional Mining Office, National Environment Management Authority, County Public Health Department, and Security Agencies held a fact-finding extensive inspection visit at the H-Nuo facility on 27th September 2024.
The team established that Five cows had died while six had signs of poisoning from suspected contaminated water.
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The Ministry also suggested that if the livestock deaths were caused by someone’s actions or the operations of a mineral right holder, then the culprits should compensate the livestock owners.
“Section 153 (1) of the Mining Act, 2016, demands fair, prompt, and justified compensation for any loss, death, or damage that may have been caused by the actions or operations of a mineral right holder, “the ministry stated.
Joho promises probe on the death of cows
“Additionally, section 179 of the Act directs mineral rights holder to ensure that seepage of toxic waste and hazardous affluent is disposed in approved areas only and does not get into streams and other water sources,” the ministry further stated.
Moreover, the ministry promised to do a thorough probe to establish any acts of criminality or negligence by the parties involved which will be a basis for administrative and legal action against those found culpable.
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“We will pursue this matter to its logical conclusion and deal firmly with any identified violation of law,” the ministry affirmed.
Nyatike constituency is known to be a hub of mining activities, especially gold mining. However, such activities pose environmental health risks.
Chemicals such as mercury used in gold extraction pose serious health risks to miners and the environment.
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