Miners express fear of plot to kick them out
Wycliff Kipsang @wsang08
More than 500 workers of a gold mining company in Nandi County have expressed fears of a plot by powerful individuals to kick out a local investor.
Workers of Kerebe Gold Mining Company yesterday claimed the well-connected individuals prefer investors from Western countries at the expense of local ones.
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They hinted at plans to hire new workers and replace them illegally.
Led by John Busienei, the workers petitioned the government to intervene and ensure politics is not allowed to frustrate current investors, who have declined to cede to demands of local politicians.
They said the firm had been extracting the mineral in Chemelil location in Nandi for years, but blamed some leaders,who they claim are acting behind the scenes to kick out the investor for selfish interests.
“Many workers risk losing their jobs because of unnecessary political interference that is scaring away investors. The government should come to our rescue,” said Busienei.
The Company management has been accusing the Nandi County Senator Samson Cherargei and some Ward Reps of inciting residents against the firm.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang has been urging investors to invest in his county, saying his administration will provide land for various investments to create new jobs.
During a meeting in Kapsabet last year, Cherargei vowed he will continue problems facing workers at the firm until the management addressed them.
