Seven Chinese nationals have been convicted for engaging in illegal mining activities along the Wei-Wei River in Sigor, West Pokot County.
In a statement on Tuesday, April 22, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said the accused were arrested on February 12, 2025, in a coordinated operation involving the Mining Investigations Unit and officials from the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs
According to the ODPP, the arrests came after authorities discovered unlicensed mining operations at the site, seizing several machines and vehicles used in the illicit activity.
The agency confirmed that none of the individuals had valid mining licenses.
"The accused – Wang Youping, Xian Zhenming, He Zhouming, Wang Xiaodong, Zhao Zhenwei, Guan Qiang, and Deng Chun – were arrested on 12th February 2025 during a joint operation by the Mining Investigations Unit and officials from the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.
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"The team discovered ongoing unlicensed mining activities, recovered several machines and vehicles used at the site, and confirmed that the accused lacked valid licences," the statement read.
Further investigations revealed that two of the accused, Xian and Deng, were in Kenya without work permits.
Additionally, mineral samples taken from the site tested positive for quartz.
“They also established that two of the accused – Xian Zhenming and Deng Chun – were in the country without work permits or alien registration, with mineral samples from the site testing positive for quartz,” the statement added.
The ODPP said all seven pleaded guilty to which they were fined Ksh3 million for illegal mining and Ksh400,000 for working without valid permits or serve one year in prison.
“On 17th April 2025, all seven pleaded guilty before Principal Magistrate Hon. Nelly Kenei. Each was fined Ksh3,000,000 for illegal mining, and Ksh400,000 for working without permits, or serve a year in prison for each offence,” the statement further read.
Additionally, Xian and Deng were fined Ksh200,000 for unlawful presence in the country or serve six months in default.
While all sentences will run consecutively, the ODPP confirmed that the convicted individuals will be repatriated upon completing their sentences.
