Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja have reaffirmed the designation of the Hillo gold mine site in Marsabit County as dangerous and disturbed. The declaration was officially gazetted on Friday, October 4, following consultations with the National Security Council.
This declaration initially took effect on September 3, 2024. The notice specifies various sites within the general Hillo area in Dabel Location of Golbo Division, including:
– Hillo Gorgora
– Hillo Orofa
– Hillo Walkite
– Hillo Tanzania
– Hillo Irress Abamartille
– Hillo Gootu
– Hillo Tessum Qalicha
– Hillo Karray
– Hillo Hudda
– Hillo Qoranjido
– Hillo Irress Shindia
– Hillo Rabaalee
– Hillo Godde Haroressa
Effective immediately, all residents in these areas are required to surrender any arms in their possession to the nearest police station, police post, police camp, or National Government Administration Offices during daylight hours for safe custody. “All arms surrendered shall be returned to their owners upon the revocation or termination of this notice dated October 4, 2024,” the officials stated.
Police reports indicate that gangs have taken over these mining sites, resulting in the deaths of more than a dozen people. The area has witnessed ongoing tension between state agencies and miners seeking access to the gold deposits. Consequently, the government ordered the closure of the mines for safety reasons.
Located near the Kenya-Ethiopia border in Dabel, the Hillo Gold mine has attracted many youths looking to earn a living through gold scavenging. However, safety and security concerns led to a government mandate to close the mine on March 14, 2024. Despite this, some miners continued illegal operations, leading to fatalities.
Kindiki announced measures to curb escalating violence and other criminal activities in the area after deadly clashes between communities over mining rights. The region has been plagued by armed criminals involved in the trade of narcotic drugs, and this week saw the deaths of seven individuals, including two foreigners, in gang conflicts among illegal miners. Additionally, cases of rape, defilement, and gender-based violence have been reported.
Most of the gold mines in the area have been deemed unsafe. Kindiki’s directive also prohibits unlicensed commercial mining and follows the deaths of two individuals due to a collapse at the site.
“To ensure regulated artisanal mining that meets public safety and environmental standards, the Government has banned all artisanal mining activities as well as unlicensed commercial mining,” he stated.
This area, rich in gold deposits, continues to draw residents seeking economic opportunities despite the dangers.
