The government has shut down mining sites at Migori County after 6 people were hospitalized from consuming contaminated water.
It is alleged that the spring water had been contaminated with poisonous chemical known as synite from one of the mining plants.
Speaking at the factory located in Nyatike sub-county, the Deputy Commissioner of the area, Mr Daniel Omukoko ordered the closure of the site after finding out that the factory is operating without a license.
“This mining activities have post great danger to the people of Nyatike,we are closing all this illigal mining operations until they meet the requirement set as per the mining act” said Omukoko.
The Deputy Commissioner also confirmed that three cows and three goats also died after drinking the same water from the wells.
He added that although mining activities has been like a big investment to the resident of Migori but the investors also have to follow orders of the mining.
“Due to negligence of the proprietor allows dangerous chemicals to enter water system causing death of human beings and animals the sites will remain closed until they follow legal authority” he added.
Omukaka urged the investors that operating a mining site without a license is breaking the law under the mining act 2016. He advised them to read the mining act first before investing in any mining activity.
“It is good to read the law of any business and understand it so that you are not caught in a situation like this”.
Mr Omukoko said investigations are underway into the incident while the six continue to receive treatment in hospital and when it is completed, legal action will be taken against the suspects for running activities without a license and endangering the lives of people and livestock.
