Hopes high after gold firm roars back to life following arson attack
Hopes are high in the North Rift after a gold mining company which had closed down over the past two years following an arson attack resumed operations.
Property worth millions of shillings was destroyed in the attack on Karebe Gold Mining Company in Tinderet South Sub-County, Nandi county. More than 400 workers were sent home following the incident, which saw vehicles, houses and other property destroyed.
But the firm has now resumed operations and relocated to a newly-acquired eight-acre piece of land where it has established a multi-billion shilling factory to crush and process gold and other minerals.
Company administrative manager Albert Kiplimo yesterday said the firm has recalled all its workers, even as he urged the government to protect investors. According to him, the company incurred losses running into billions of shillings.
He urged security agencies to deal with illegal gold miners who, he claimed, enjoyed protection from senior politicians.
“President William Ruto has been traversing the world seeking investors. It is sad that here in Tinderet, illegal invaders are causing trouble,” he said, adding: “These illegal operators don’t pay taxes yet are interfering with true investors”.
Before its closure two years ago, workers had protested a scheme to kick out the current investor, after which arsonists struck.
Local leaders led by Nandi Council of Elders coordinator Maurisin Kogo yesterday called on the government to protect investors and flush out illegal miners.
“This firm has done a lot to improve the infrastructure of Chemase location but some individuals are issuing threats,” said Kogo.
Then-Petroleum Cabinet Secretary John Munyes, who visited the firm after the arson attack in 2020, had assured investors of government support against arsonists and invaders.
Nandi county has the highest gold deposits in Kenya, with Karebe firm paying at least Sh1.2 billion a year in royalties to the National Government.
Before it shut down, chief executive officer Charlie Tryon condemned the arson attack, saying: “There is a plot to kick us out in favour of other investors”. And earlier, the workers had stormed the home of Nandi Governor Stephen Sang seeking protection from powerful forces.
People Daily has established that Karebe, which is associated with British investors, was recently given a licence to extract gold in the area for the next 25 years.
