Narok: Police shoot one dead as clashes erupt over mining site eviction

• The confrontation came days after the government ordered the indefinite closure of the mining site following a deadly tunnel collapse that claimed five lives.
• Area police commander Enrico Telewa told Citizen TV by phone that officers had arrested four miners and detained them at Lolgorian Police Station.

Clashes erupted after police officers moved to evict miners from the Kilima Pesa mining site in Lolgorian, Transmara South. Photo/Courtesy

At least one person was shot dead by police on Saturday evening in Lolgorian, Transmara South, after clashes erupted when officers moved to evict miners from the Kilima Pesa mining site.

The confrontation came days after the government ordered the indefinite closure of the mining site following a deadly tunnel collapse that claimed five lives.

Area police commander Enrico Telewa told Citizen TV by phone that officers had arrested four miners and detained them at Lolgorian Police Station.

Hundreds of residents later stormed the station in an attempt to secure their release, pelting police with stones and damaging property.

An unknown number of people were injured during the confrontation.

Residents have also alleged that powerful individuals are seeking to privatise the community-owned mining site at Kilima Pesa. The claim has not been independently verified.

The latest incident follows a government crackdown on illegal mining activities after the collapse at the Kilimapesa gold mine left five people dead and several others trapped underground.

Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho subsequently directed an intensified nationwide crackdown on illegal mining, warning that those found violating the Mining Act would face legal action.

The government said the crackdown was aimed at improving compliance with mining regulations, protecting lives and promoting responsible mineral resource development.

Joho also directed authorities to investigate the cause of the Kilimapesa mine collapse and ensure that anyone found responsible for endangering lives through negligence or illegal activities is held accountable.