Abala Wanga presses Oburu, PS Omollo to implement Siaya gold dispute resolutions
By Viola Kosome, July 13, 2026Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga has urged ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo to fast-track the implementation of resolutions reached over the long-running Shanta Gold dispute in East Gem, Siaya County.
Speaking during a women’s economic empowerment programme over the weekend, Wanga said residents had hoped the dispute would be resolved following a consultative meeting held in Ramula two months ago, but little progress had been made.
Wanga, who has declared his interest in the Gem parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election, appealed to Oburu to ensure the resolutions agreed upon during the meeting are implemented.
“I only have one word for the party leader. Two months ago you held a meeting in Ramula where we discussed the gold issue and made resolutions, with Interior PS Raymond Omollo also involved. Today we are in East Gem, Ramula and Luanda, but the Shanta Gold issue has not been resolved,” Wanga said.
He urged Oburu, Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo and PS Omollo to move with speed to address the matter, saying continued insecurity linked to the dispute had left many residents living in fear.
“I’m pleading that you resolve the matter that has led to people being beaten in their homes and others being displaced at night,” he said.
The dispute revolves around mining activities linked to Shanta Gold in East Gem, where local communities have raised concerns over land ownership, access to mining sites, compensation for affected families and the equitable sharing of benefits from mineral resources.
The standoff has at times turned violent, with residents reporting harassment, forced evictions and confrontations around mining areas.
Community members have repeatedly accused security personnel and other groups of using excessive force during operations, fuelling calls for greater government intervention.
In recent months, national and local leaders, including Interior PS Raymond Omollo, have convened consultative meetings with community representatives in an effort to find a lasting solution.
However, residents say the resolutions reached have yet to be implemented, prolonging uncertainty in the area.