GEM YALA: Members of the Siaya County Assembly (MCAs) have condemned the ongoing violence in Ramula, which has resulted in two deaths and numerous injuries, including 47 police officers.

The unrest stems from a dispute between local residents and Shanta Gold, a foreign mining investor.

Speaking at the Siaya County Assembly premises, Speaker George Okode criticized the ongoing security operation, describing the loss of life as “unfortunate.”

“It makes no sense for members of the community to lose their lives. The land belongs to them, and they should not be coerced into any agreement,” Okode noted.

The Speaker further urged the authorities to halt the use of force, emphasizing that the project’s long-term success depends on its initial approach.

“I am calling on whoever sanctioned this operation to end it immediately. Let the investor engage the community directly and arrive at an amicable agreement.”

East Gem lawmaker Seth Baraka reported that residents are suffering under the weight of the security crackdown involving the General Service Unit (GSU).

“The situation is dire. As a resident of Ramula, I was unable to access the market today to address the media. GSU officers attacked me and my security team, forcing us to flee to Siaya town. As of now, I do not know the whereabouts of some of my security officials,” Baraka lamented.

The lawmaker called on the police commander to recall the officers to allow calm to return to the busy Ramula Trading Center.

Beyond the conflict with the investor, Mr. Baraka addressed reports of community members torching houses due to internal divisions.

“Let us not torch houses or attack one another over whether someone has accepted or denied working with Shanta Gold,” he added, urging for unity and peaceful resolution among the locals.