The relocation plan comes after the discovery of gold valued at around KSh 383 billion, making it one of the most valuable mineral finds in the country in recent years.
Matiang’i, speaking from his home in Nyansiongo, Nyamira, said the government is acting too fast and without a clear plan.
He insisted that residents must not be moved from their ancestral land without proper communication, compensation, and involvement in decision-making.
According to him, the land belongs to the people, and no government should take actions that break the trust between leaders and citizens.
He demanded that the government release the full list of companies seeking mining licences across the country.
Matiang’i claimed that Kenyans deserve full transparency because the minerals belong to the public.
He accused the government of hiding details, suggesting that some officials may have personal interests in the companies involved.
“Let them publish the names. They do not want to because they are connected to these companies,” he argued.
Several other leaders—among them Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua—have also opposed the relocation plan.
They argue that the government must first consult residents, give clear information, and provide fair compensation before any movement takes place.
In the same address, Matiang’i also criticised the reported plan to sell Safaricom. He referred to the idea as “theft of public assets” and praised leaders, including the Kiharu Member of Parliament, who have spoken openly against it.
He warned that selling a key national company without public participation would be a betrayal of the Kenyan people.
The concerns about relocation are not limited to national politicians. Kakamega County leaders have also raised the alarm after a British company, Shanta Gold Limited, confirmed large gold deposits in Ikolomani.
The company’s Environmental Impact Assessment shows that it plans to use about 337 acres of land, most of it privately owned. This would mean that nearly **800 households** could be displaced.
Residents of Ikolomani held demonstrations demanding clarity and fairness. Their protests led to the postponement of a public participation meeting organised by NEMA.
Many residents say they feel ignored and fear they will lose their land and livelihoods without proper compensation.
Deputy Governor Ayub Savula said the county government will go to court if necessary to block the issuance of a mining licence.
He emphasized that mining could disrupt key services such as water supply, electricity, schools, and health facilities.
According to him, no major project should begin before these issues are addressed.
Senator Boni Khalwale echoed the same concerns, saying residents need assurance that educational institutions in the area will not be destroyed or relocated without proper planning.
Some of the institutions that may be affected include Sigalagala National Polytechnic, Bushiangala Technical Training Institute, Eregi Teachers Training College, and several secondary schools.
The planned large-scale mining has also raised fears among local artisanal miners.
Patrick Ligami, chairman of the Kakamega Artisanal Mining Committee, said small-scale miners are worried they will be pushed out once the big company begins operations.
Many of them depend on gold mining for daily survival. They are also concerned about the future of Kakamega’s gold refinery, which relies on artisanal miners for raw gold.
The discovery of gold in Ikolomani is a major national development, but it has created uncertainty and fear among residents.
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Politics