The Kenyan government has ordered the immediate closure of the Dabel Artisanal Mining Sites in Marsabit County.
This drastic action comes in response to a recent escalation of violence and criminal activity within the mining area.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki cited rise in violence, including gang rivalries among miners,illegal narcotics trade, Cases of rape, defilement, and violence against women as reasons for the closure.
“Effective 0630 Hours today, 14th March 2024, the Dabel Artisinal Mining Sites described in Gazette Notice No.3032 of even date, have been declared dangerous and disturbed and vacation orders issued.” said the order by Kindiki.
“The area has been rife with armed criminals facilitating trade in narcotic drugs, while seven (7) people including two(2) aliens were killed this week in gang rivalries among the illegal artisinal miners on site,” said Kindiki.
He added: “Cases of rape, defilement and gender based violence have been booked. A special team from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has taken over Investigations to identify and apprehend the offenders. ”
The closure order will remain in effect indefinitely, subject to the discretion of the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration.
This implies the possibility of an extension, withdrawal, or modification of the order based on future developments.
