CS Joho Goes After Notorious Company Killing Herds With Contaminated Water
Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho responded on Sunday to an uproar in which six cows died after allegedly drinking contaminated water, most likely as a result of pollution by a mining company in Migori.
Joho revealed on Sunday that his ministry received the complaints from the locals and immediately dispatched a team of investigators to address the issue.
According to the CS, preliminary investigations revealed evidence of poisoning from suspected contaminated water.
‘’A multi-agency team with officers drawn from the regional mining office, National Environment Management Authority, County Public Health Department, and security agencies held a fact-finding and extensive inspection visit at the facility on September 27, 2024,’’ Joho stated.
‘’The team established that five cows had died while Six others showed signs of poisoning from suspected contaminated water,’’ he added.
Statement on Livestock Poisoning in Nyatike, Migori County. pic.twitter.com/kTQR6fSnHm
— Hassan Ali Joho, EGH. (@HassanAliJoho) September 29, 2024
Joho insisted that his ministry would follow all processes and procedures to investigate the situation and ensure justice for those affected.
‘’The Ministry is keen and wholly committed to establishing all facts that led to this unfortunate incident,’’ Joho maintained.
The CS also disclosed that the law will take its course if the owners of the facility are found culpable of the accusations.
“A thorough probe will establish any acts of criminality or negligence by the parties involved which will be a basis for administrative and legal action against those found culpable,’’ he stated.
‘’Section 153 (1) of the Mining Act, 2016 demands fair, prompt, and justified compensation for any loss, death, or damage that might have been caused by actions or operations of a mineral right holder.
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Joho Continued: “Additionally, section 179 of the Act directs mineral rights holders to ensure that seepage of toxic waste and hazardous effluent is disposed of in approved areas only and does not get into streams and other water sources.”
He also directed the regional security team in Migori to conduct intensive and extensive expedited investigations into the matter.
The CS also stated that his ministry will investigate the matter and that if the facility’s owners are found to have broken the law, they will face consequences.
‘’The Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs through the Whole-Of Government-Approach is tasking the security agencies under the County Commissioner together with other state agencies in Migori County to undertake intensive and extensive expedited investigations into this matter,’’ Joho urged.
CS Joho Goes After Notorious Company Killing Herds With Contaminated Water
