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Six people have been hospitalised after consuming spring water contaminated with chemicals believed to be syenite from a mining processing plant in Ndemra village, Nyatike sub county in Migori.

Speaking at the plant that resulted in the poisonous spillover, Nyatike Deputy County Commissioner Daniel Omukoko said such negligence with no regard to human and livestock lives will not be tolerated. Omukoko said the facility which did not have a valid mining license would remain closed; warning that all local mining plants operating illegally will suffer the same fate. Three cows and three goats died after drinking the poisonous water.

Administrator noted that investigation was underway and once concluded the culprits will face the full force of the law.

He said the county has continued to witness a surge of miners with foreigners flocking  Nyatike without proper documentation and valid mining licenses. Omukoko said that the illegal mining sites were depriving the community, and the National and County governments of revenue that could have improved the lives of the residents.

National Government Mining Inspector Abel Chumba elaborated that all operators in the mining industry who do not have valid licenses should remain closed until they legalise their operations.

Chumba said that anybody who wants to invest in mining should visit the Mining Departments in their respective areas to get the legal framework as guided by the Mining Act.

He warned that all illegal mining processing plants that may cause environmental damage and lead to deaths of residents and their livestock will remain closed.

Chumba also said the government does not get revenue if illegal miners are allowed to operate without following the set mining rules and regulations. Moris Ogwal, a resident of Ndemra Village, lost two cows that had consumed the poisonous water.

Ogwal, however, applauded efforts the government has made in closing down the plant to ensure no further harm.