Fatal Police Shooting Claims Two Lives During Anti-Mining Protests in Siaya County
Siaya, 6 April 2026
Two protesters were killed when police opened fire during demonstrations against Shanta Gold Kenya’s operations in Gem, Siaya County on Monday. The victims, identified as Henry Otieno and Jack Omenda, were part of a group protesting alleged forced evictions from ancestral lands connected to the multi-billion-shilling gold mining project. The confrontation escalated when demonstrators stormed Ramula Police Post, damaging property and setting fire to a tractor. Despite a February court order barring involuntary resettlement in the area, tensions between local communities and the mining company have intensified, with similar protests occurring in neighbouring counties last November.
Police Response Escalates Deadly Confrontation
The violence erupted when protesters first blocked the Ramula-Luanda road before marching to Ramula market and forcing their way into the police compound [1]. According to Gem Sub-County Police Commander Charles Wafula, the demonstrators hurled stones, broke windows and set fire to a tractor parked within the police post premises [1]. Police officers initially fired warning shots but opened fire directly at the crowd after being overwhelmed, killing Henry Otieno and Jack Omenda on the spot as protesters dispersed [1][2]. The bodies were subsequently taken to Yala Sub-County Hospital mortuary, confirmed Siaya County Commissioner Nobert Komora [1].
Rights Groups Challenge Police Actions
The Community Initiative Action Group Kenya disputed the police account, stating that the community had gathered peacefully to demonstrate against Shanta Gold Limited’s attempt to relocate them without consent [2]. Executive Director Chris Owalla claimed that witnesses observed an exchange between the community and police before officers opened fire [2]. The rights organisation has accused police officers Charles Wafula and Charles Emodo of disregarding the February court order that barred involuntary resettlement [2]. Police Commander Wafula maintained that the protesters failed to notify authorities about the demonstration and attacked both officers and the police post, damaging several items including vehicles [2].
Legal Protections Fail to Prevent Violence
The fatal shooting occurred despite legal safeguards established earlier this year. On 5 February 2026, the Environment and Land Court in Siaya issued conservatory orders specifically barring involuntary resettlement of residents in Ramula, pending a petition hearing [2]. The court intervention came as part of broader legal challenges to Shanta Gold’s operations in the region. However, the presence of these legal protections appears to have done little to defuse tensions between the mining company and local communities, with Monday’s protests representing a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute over land rights and displacement.
Regional Pattern of Mining-Related Unrest
Monday’s deadly confrontation follows a troubling pattern of mining-related protests across western Kenya. Similar demonstrations occurred in November 2025 in Ikolomani against Shanta Gold’s eviction plans [2], indicating that community resistance to the company’s operations extends beyond Siaya County. The protests reflect growing tensions between local communities and mining companies over land rights and displacement concerns throughout Kenya’s gold-mining regions [GPT]. Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo condemned the violence and urged residents to pursue dialogue over the mining firm’s operations, whilst warning Vihiga residents against dragging Ramula locals into disputes [1]. The Community Initiative Action Group Kenya has called for investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and the Director of Public Prosecutions, plus an independent autopsy of the victims [2].