West Pokot Uprising: Locals Demand Commissioner’s Removal!
“We are fearing they could evict us from our ancestral homes as they continue with their illegal gold mining activities,” Philip Lokwang
Orwa Ranch members are outraged over illegal gold mining on their land. They accuse local leaders of aiding the miners while ignoring their pleas
Tension remains high in Orwa as residents demand the immediate transfer of West Pokot County Commissioner Abdulai Khalif. They accuse him of protecting individuals exploiting their ancestral land through illegal gold mining while refusing to address their grievances.
A Disputed Land
Orwa Ranch, near Marich, was declared an adjudication section between 1978 and 1981, with 345 registered members. However, membership has since surged to 1,343. Original landowners claim this increase is due to fraudulent adjudication. They allege that new claimants, backed by government officials, are fueling disputes in Orwa and nearby trust lands, including Katikomor, Kanyarkwat, and Endugh.
In 2019, a judicial review challenged the legality of the land subdivision process. Court documents revealed that officials excluded rightful landowners while benefiting from KETRACO’s Ksh 34 million compensation.
“This land belongs to us, but powerful individuals have taken it,” said Jackson Lokwen, an Orwa Ranch member. “The government allows land grabbers to infiltrate our community while we are forced out.”
Fears of Eviction and Intimidation
Residents now fear mass displacement as mining activities intensify. “We are fearing they could evict us from our ancestral homes as they continue with their illegal gold mining activities,” said Philip Lokwang, a resident of Seger and a member of Orwa Ranch.
Locals report that illegal mining operations are expanding rapidly. “There are over 100 excavators and 30 tippers working across nearly 30 illegal gold mining sites inside our land,” Lokwen revealed. “The NPR (police reservists) and chiefs are being used by the local administration to protect the illegal mining. Locals are being threatened. We demand the county commissioner be transferred and all other local administration officers with an interest in our ancestral land removed!”
Lokwen further accused Commissioner Khalif of fueling tensions. “The county commissioner must stop creating this conflict just to continue benefiting from illegal gold mining.”
Outrage Over Looting of Resources
Residents also accuse government officials of exploiting their land while neglecting community development. “They have continued mining gold on our land, taking away our treasures,” said Paulo Chebotbot, Vice Chairman of Orwa Ranch. “Yet, they cannot even build schools or any other community projects. They must leave our land! No government office is willing to listen to our plea because they are all benefiting from the illegal gold mining.”
Calls for Urgent Action
Human rights activist Kimutai Kirui has demanded immediate intervention from President William Ruto. “The people have lost confidence in the county commissioner,” Kirui stated. “They believe he is shielding those exploiting their land while refusing to meet with them to resolve the dispute.”
Warnings Ignored
A Hubz Media report revealed a police letter dated December 29, 2020, to the Director of Land Adjudication. The letter advised halting Orwa Ranch’s subdivision due to security concerns. 
It warned that misled adjudication officers had worsened the volatile situation. Despite this, the adjudication office ignored the directive. The letter also accused the West Pokot Ministry of Lands of violating procedures and creating a false land register.
Tensions Continue to Rise
Attempts by journalists to cover the ongoing crisis were met with hostility. Reporters were threatened and warned that their vehicle would be torched if they did not leave.
Residents are now urging the county government to act, particularly in Lami Nyeusi, to stop further destruction. “If the government does not intervene, we will take matters into our own hands,” warned a local.
Attempts to get responses from government officials have failed. The West Pokot County Commissioner declined to comment, stating that he does not address government issues through the media.
With emotions running high and no resolution in sight, Orwa Ranch landowners continue fighting for what they believe is rightfully theirs.
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