Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho on Sunday responded to an uproar where six cows died after allegedly drinking contaminated water likely a result of pollution by a mining company in Migori.
Joho on Sunday revealed that his ministry had received the complaints from the locals and moved in to quickly dispatch a team of investigators to address the issue.
According to the CS, preliminary investigations indicated that there were signs of poisoning from suspected contaminated water.
‘’A multi-agency team with officers drawn from the regional mining office, National Environment Management Authority, County Public Health Department, and security agencies held a fact-finding and extensive inspection visit at the facility on September 27, 2024,’’ Joho stated.
‘’The team established that five cows had died while Six others showed signs of poisoning from suspected contaminated water,’’ he added.
Joho maintained that his ministry would follow all processes and procedures to investigate the matter to ensure justice for the affected.
‘’The Ministry is keen and wholly committed to establishing all facts that led to this unfortunate incident,’’ Joho maintained.
The CS also revealed that the law will take its course if the owners of the facility are found culpable of the accusations.
‘’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 stated.
‘’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 actions or operations of a mineral right holder. Additionally, section 179 of the Act directs mineral rights holders to ensure that seepage of toxic waste and hazardous effluent is disposed of in approved areas only and does not get into streams and other water sources."
He also asked the regional security team in Migori to undertake intensive and extensive expedited investigations into the matter.
The CS also reiterated that his ministry will pursue the matter and the owners of the facility will be dealt with if they are found to have violated the law.
‘’The Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs through the Whole-Of Government-Approach is tasking the security agencies under the County Commissioner together with other state agencies in Migori County to undertake intensive and extensive expedited investigations into this matter,’’ Joho urged.
