Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has sanctioned a thorough probe into an incident in which livestock died in Nyatike, Migori county.
Some cows died after reportedly drinking from a water body believed to contain sodium cyanide effluent flowing from H-Nuo, a Chinese gold extraction firm.
Chaos erupted in the area as local leaders mobilised residents to protest the activities of the said company.
John said a multi-agency team with officers from the Regional Mining Office, National Environment Management Authority, County Public Health Department, and Security Agencies was deployed to examine the situation on the ground.
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The team inspected activities at the H-Nuo facility before later finding out that five cows had died while six had signs of poisoning from suspected contaminated water.
Joho regretted the incident, promised to investigate, and hinted at compensating the farmers affected by the disaster.
"Section 153 (1) of the Mining Act, 2016 demands fair, prompt, and justified compensation for any loss, death, or damage that might have been caused by the actions or operations of a mineral rights holder. Additionally, section 179 of the Act directs mineral rights holders to ensure that toxic waste and hazardous effluent seepage are disposed of in approved areas only and do not get into streams and other water sources," he said.
The CS asked for coordinated efforts between the police and county and national government officials to expedite investigations before action is ultimately taken.
"A thorough probe will establish any acts of criminality or negligence by the parties involved, which will be a basis for administrative and legal action against those found culpable," he said.
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