Tension gripped Naduat in Turkana County after residents took to the streets to protest the government’s decision to shut down the Lomeguro gold mine.

This decision followed a recent shaft collapse that resulted in the death of one miner and injuries to two others.

The closure announced as a safety measure, sparked outrage among local residents who claim that the mine is their only source of livelihood.

Hundreds of protesters blocked the busy Kakuma Road, paralyzing traffic for several hours and engaging in running battles with the police.

Security officers were compelled to fire shots into the air in order to disperse the crowd and clear the road.

Residents voiced their fears that the mine’s closure could lead to hunger and death due to the loss of income.

“This is our only source of survival. Without it, we will starve,” said one protester.

Turkana Chief Officer for Mining, Trizah Amoni, defended the closure, stating that it was necessary to prevent further loss of life.

“The collapse of the shaft at Lomeguro has already claimed one life and injured two. We cannot allow mining to continue under unsafe conditions,” Amoni explained.

She also mentioned that the county government is working to improve safety for artisanal miners by providing modern equipment and planning the distribution of safety gear.

“Many miners are using outdated and risky traditional methods. We are engaging with the National Government’s Mining Department to bring in structural engineers to design safer shafts,” Amoni added.

The mine has a history of collapses, particularly during the rainy season, due to weak soil structures. Amoni emphasized that operations will remain suspended until new safety protocols are implemented.

Meanwhile, Turkana County Commissioner Julius Kavita issued a stern warning to local administrators, instructing them to prevent children under 18 from participating in mining activities. “Any chief who fails to enforce this will face dismissal,” he warned.

Kavita also called on parents to send their children to school, noting a concerning increase in crime rates linked to illicit alcohol and drug abuse in the area.