ODM operative entry into gold mining divides local leaders

A dispute over control of gold mining sites in West Pokot County has escalated into a political warfare, revealing deep divisions among leaders and leaving hundreds of artisanal miners uncertain about their prospects.

The conflict has gripped Kambi Karaya and Lami Nyeusi areas, where a rush for gold has drawn thousands of small-scale miners and several investors.

Some local leaders, including Governor Simon Kachapin, oppose plans Oketch Salah to continue operating as a licensed miner, arguing that his presence has caused disputes among miners and communities.

Meanwhile, a different group, led by former Governor John Lonyangapuo, supports Salah, claiming he is a legitimate investor.

This dispute threatens to halt gold mining activities that support many families, raising concerns over security, regulation, and revenue sharing.

Governor Kachapin opposed what he calls “illegal and unregulated” mining, warning that the county government has not authorised any investors in the areas.

He said a policy would be drafted to regulate mining in Kambi Karaya, Lami Nyeusi, Turkwel, and parts of North Pokot. “Compliance with the law is not optional. The ministry and security agencies must lead in supervising and enforcing mining laws,” Kachapin said. “I speak only for the West Pokot county government. This is our official stance. The responsible parties must be present and held accountable.”

His deputy, Robert Komole, accused some investors of having “a negative motive to humiliate locals” and of seizing large pieces of land.

“The Mining Act 2016 clearly states that investors must engage in public participation. All investors must go through the county government to obtain licenses,” said Komole.

Pokot South MP David Pkosing, who says he’ll run for governor next year, visited several sites, called for calm, and defended artisanal miners.

“Our community depends on this gold for their livelihoods. Any investment must respect residents and current miners,” he said.

Pkosing accused Salah of exploiting President William Ruto’s name in the dispute. “We want Kenyans to hear us clearly. This man has come here and is misusing the President’s name. We reject that,” he said.

He also questioned claims that Salah was acting on orders from a senior security chief.

Nominated MCA Elijah Kasheusheu urged Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho to explain how Salah obtained his licence. “He should stop holding boardroom meetings. All mining discussions should take place in West Pokot County. I’m shocked that an investor can chair security meetings in a hotel,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Lonyangapuo, who is also seeking the governor position, questioned how illegal mining had continued for years without intervention. “There are over 2,000 excavators in Kambi Karaya and Lami Nyeusi. Surprisingly, some investors have been illegally operating there for three years,” he said.

He accused powerful cartels of resisting efforts to legalise mining.

“We need to bring order and legitimise gold mining. Salah is one investor who has followed due process. He engaged with the community and received approval from the Ministry of Mining. While he is still applying for licences, some leaders have started attacking him,” said Lonyangapuo.

He further suggested that some opponents of Salah were recipients of illegal mining benefits. “Large quantities of gold have been stolen from West Pokot without benefiting locals.” 

Senator Julius Murgor said middlemen had exploited residents without proper permits.

“I approached the Ministry of Mining about these issues, and Salah was identified as the only investor permitted to operate legally in the area,” Murgor said. “I’m shocked that Governor Kachapin claims he doesn’t know Salah, yet illegal mining has been ongoing for years.”

Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto highlighted deaths and environmental damage caused by illegal mining but supported efforts to regulate the sector. “Community elders and leaders approved Salah after several public consultations. He has also undertaken corporate social responsibility projects,” Moroto noted. “People have lost their lives in mining pits, and illegal miners have damaged schools.”

Irissheel Shanzu – Thu, 26. February 2026 4:52 PM – GOLD RUSH

ODM operative entry into gold mining divides local leaders

Governor Kachapin and others reject Oketch Salah’s mining licence.

Other leaders, including Lonyangapuo and Pkosing, welcome his investment.

Irissheel Shanzu, West Pokot

A dispute over control of gold mining sites in West Pokot County has escalated into a political warfare, revealing deep divisions among leaders and leaving hundreds of artisanal miners uncertain about their prospects.

The conflict has gripped Kambi Karaya and Lami Nyeusi areas, where a rush for gold has drawn thousands of small-scale miners and several investors.

Some local leaders, including Governor Simon Kachapin, oppose plans Oketch Salah to continue operating as a licensed miner, arguing that his presence has caused disputes among miners and communities.

Meanwhile, a different group, led by former governor, John Lonyangapuo, supports Salah, claiming he is a legitimate investor.

This dispute threatens to halt gold mining activities that support many families, raising concerns over security, regulation, and revenue sharing.

Governor Kachapin opposed what he calls “illegal and unregulated” mining, warning that the county government has not authorised any investors in the areas.

He said a policy would be drafted to regulate mining in Kambi Karaya, Lami Nyeusi, Turkwel, and parts of North Pokot. “Compliance with the law is not optional. The ministry and security agencies must lead in supervising and enforcing mining laws,” Kachapin said. “I speak only for the West Pokot county government. This is our official stance. The responsible parties must be present and held accountable.”

His deputy, Robert Komole, accused some investors of having “a negative motive to humiliate locals” and of seizing large pieces of land.

“The Mining Act 2016 clearly states that investors must engage in public participation. All investors must go through the county government to obtain licenses,” said Komole.

Pokot South MP David Pkosing, who says he’ll run for governor next year, visited several sites, called for calm, and defended artisanal miners.

“Our community depends on this gold for their livelihoods. Any investment must respect residents and current miners,” he said.

Pkosing accused Salah of exploiting President William Ruto’s name in the dispute. “We want Kenyans to hear us clearly. This man has come here and is misusing the President’s name. We reject that,” he said.

He also questioned claims that Salah was acting on orders from a senior security chief.

Nominated MCA Elijah Kasheusheu urged Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho to explain how Salah obtained his licence. “He should stop holding boardroom meetings. All mining discussions should take place in West Pokot County. I’m shocked that an investor can chair security meetings in a hotel,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Lonyangapuo, who is also seeking the governor position, questioned how illegal mining had continued for years without intervention. “There are over 2,000 excavators in Kambi Karaya and Lami Nyeusi. Surprisingly, some investors have been illegally operating there for three years,” he said.

He accused powerful cartels of resisting efforts to legalise mining.

“We need to bring order and legitimise gold mining. Salah is one investor who has followed due process. He engaged with the community and received approval from the Ministry of Mining. While he is still applying for licences, some leaders have started attacking him,” said Lonyangapuo.

He further suggested that some opponents of Salah were recipients of illegal mining benefits. “Large quantities of gold have been stolen from West Pokot without benefiting locals.” 

Senator Julius Murgor said middlemen had exploited residents without proper permits.

“I approached the Ministry of Mining about these issues, and Salah was identified as the only investor permitted to operate legally in the area,” Murgor said. “I’m shocked that Governor Kachapin claims he doesn’t know Salah, yet illegal mining has been ongoing for years.”

Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto highlighted deaths and environmental damage caused by illegal mining but supported efforts to regulate the sector. “Community elders and leaders approved Salah after several public consultations. He has also undertaken corporate social responsibility projects,” Moroto noted. “People have lost their lives in mining pits, and illegal miners have damaged schools.”

Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong urged officials to let government institutions manage the sector.

“Some leaders are inciting locals against efforts to legalise mining. We must let the government operate within the law. National leaders sent to Pokot Central Sub-County should not be threatened,” he said.

Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong urged officials to let government institutions manage the sector.

“Some leaders are inciting locals against efforts to legalise mining. We must let the government operate within the law. National leaders sent to Pokot Central Sub-County should not be threatened,” he said.