This archive report was first published on 9 July 2019.
On July 6, 2019, police in Kenya arrested four Chinese nationals for their 'suspicious involvement' in gold mining in the region. The arrest took place at Maganyi village in Sabatia Sub County, where residents engage in small-scale gold mining and sell it to brokers.
County Criminal Investigations Officer Joshua Cheptoo stated that the four Chinese nationals were released but will have to report to the police station while investigations continue. Cheptoo emphasized that the four will be charged with their involvement in the illegal mining if the investigations find them culpable.
According to Cheptoo, upon their arrest and subsequent interrogation, it was established that the Chinese nationals did not have the requisite documentation and permits to conduct mining in the area. The four spent three nights at Mbale police station following their arrest.
Cheptoo assured the public that the investigations will determine whether the Chinese nationals will be arraigned in court or not. The police are still investigating the matter and will take necessary actions based on the findings.
