Mining sites in Marsabit declared dangerous
By Zadock.Aangira, March 15, 2024
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has declared Artisinal Mining sites in Marsabit County as dangerous and disturbed and ordered them vacated.
The move is to restore order in parts of Moyale where seven people were killed in a fight between gangs over the control of a gold mining sites.
Four other people are admitted in hospital with injuries following skirmishes between gangs over the control of the mines.
Kindiki flew to Dabel Artisinal Mining sites in Golbo Division and announced measures to arrest the escalation of violence and other criminal activities in the area.
The area has been rife with armed criminals facilitating trade in narcotics, while seven people, including two aliens, were killed this week in gang rivalries.
Cases of rape, defilement and gender based violence have been booked, Kindiki said.
Kindiki said a special team from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had taken over investigations to identify and apprehend the offenders.
Thirty days
He also said effective 0630 hours Thursday March 14, 2024, the Dabel Artisinal Mining Sites described in Gazette Notice No.3032 of even date, had been declared dangerous and disturbed and vacation orders issued for 30 days.
This meant the site had been closed.
“Pursuant to Section 8(1) of the Public Order Act, Cap 56 of the Laws of Kenya, and Section 106(1) of the National Police Service Act, no person may be found present in the areas specified in the Gazette Notice at any time without the written authority of the County Police Commander, Marsabit County,” he said.
The affected areas include Hillo Gorgora, Hillo Orofa, Hillo Walkite, Hillo Tanzania, Hillo Irress Abamartille, Hillo Gootu, Hillo Tessum Qalicha and Hillo Karray. Others are Hillo Hudda, Hillo Qoranjido, Hillo Irress Shindia, Hillo Rabaalee and Hillo Godde Haroressa.
Kindiki (pictured) was accompanied by Deputy Inspector General of Administration Police Noor Gabow.