Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi has accused Kakamega politicians Cleophas Malala and Senator Bonny Khalwale of attempting to exploit the proposed Ikolomani–Lirhembe gold mining project for personal gain.
Speaking in Kakamega County, Mr. Sudi claimed the two leaders were inciting residents against investors in a bid to attract attention and allegedly solicit payments from the new companies brought in by the government.
According to the MP, the alleged tactics resemble previous controversies involving Mumias, Nzoia and West Kenya factories, where he claimed the duo used similar pressure strategies to benefit financially. “We know your mischievous plans. You are not fighting for anyone. You want the investor to pay you to keep quiet,” he said. “This time, like it or not, the mining in Ikolomani will proceed with or without your blessings.”
Mr. Sudi assured Ikolomani residents that anyone required to vacate land for mining operations would receive full government compensation and relocation support.
However, Senator Khalwale issued a separate statement insisting that Kakamega – and particularly Ikolomani Constituency – must be transformed into a gold-driven economic hub comparable to Dubai. He called on the national government to formalize all mining agreements before operations begin.