‘Politicians call for probe into Sh164bn gold mining deal’

A lucrative Sh164 billion gold exploration deal in western Kenya has run into political headwinds, with some local leaders demanding full disclosures about the UK-based company awarded the contract by the government. The company, Acacia Mining, is expected to start exploring for gold on the Lirhanda Corridor, which straddles Kakamega, Vihiga, Kisumu and Siaya counties, in 2022…The western Kenya exploration deal has been promoted on local political platforms as part of the development projects earmarked for the region due to the lobbying efforts of Mr Wamalwa and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya.

…A rival camp associated with ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula, who is also the Ford Kenya party leader, has questioned the terms of the deal, saying it is shrouded in secrecy. “As leaders from Western Kenya, we want to know who the exploration company’s local representatives are, the tendering process, mining methods and environmental impact assessment reports,” Mr Mudavadi and Mr Wetang’ula said in a letter to the Mining CS.

…They also raised issues around compensation and the sharing of revenue with locals. On Thursday,  Sabatia MP Alfred Agoi, a close ally of Mr Mudavadi’s, took the matter to the National Assembly, demanding details of the exploration deal. “What are the processes that were used to identify and award the company the rights for gold prospecting?” the legislator asked, adding that Mr Munyes should also reveal royalties or payments received by the government from the award of the gold prospecting rights. National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi directed that the Environment and Natural Resources Committee address the questions raised by Mr Agoi.