The dispute escalated sharply after police opened fire during protests, resulting in the tragic deaths of three residents.
The incident has now drawn firm reactions from Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, who have jointly condemned both the violence and the proposed relocation plan.
Governor Natembeya, known for his blunt and unapologetic leadership style, has broken his silence, accusing the national administration of mishandling the situation and failing to protect citizens.
He stated that no amount of economic promise can justify the loss of innocent lives, insisting that “people must never be sacrificed at the altar of profit.”
Natembeya called on President William Ruto’s government to immediately halt any attempts to displace Ikolomani residents without proper dialogue, resettlement guarantees, and full consent of the affected families.
The governor further criticised the police response, describing the shootings as unnecessary, excessive, and a disturbing reminder of the state’s growing intolerance toward dissent.
He demanded a comprehensive investigation into the conduct of the officers involved, warning that impunity must not be allowed to thrive in a democratic society.
According to Natembeya, the government’s responsibility is to safeguard its people, not intimidate them into submission over commercial interests.
Senator Khalwale echoed these sentiments, affirming that Ikolomani residents have deep ancestral ties to their land and cannot simply be pushed aside to create room for mining activities.
He argued that if the gold resources are indeed valuable, then locals must be the primary beneficiaries—not foreign companies, political elites, or opportunistic cartels.
The senator announced that he will stand firmly with the community, stressing that development must never come at the expense of human dignity.
Both leaders dismissed claims that the evacuation proposal was meant to create economic growth, calling it a poorly disguised land grab.
They insisted that the government must engage community leaders, miners, and residents to find a sustainable, fair resolution that respects the rights of the people.
With tensions still high and families mourning their loved ones, the Ikolomani issue is now evolving into a national conversation about land rights, resource ownership, and the limits of state power.
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