Seven Chinese nationals convicted for illegal mining in West Pokot

Seven Chinese nationals have been convicted by the Kapenguria Law Courts for engaging in illegal mining along the Wei-Wei River in Sigor, Pokot Central subcounty.

Their arrest followed a February 12, 2025, operation by the Mining Investigations Unit and officials from the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.

The enforcement team found ongoing mining activities at the site, which had no legal approval.

Authorities at the scene found extensive machinery, including six lorries, a water boozer, two excavators, two bulldozers, one caterpillar, two high-powered generators, and a container used for storing equipment.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the seven came to Kenya and started mining activities in West Pokot without a License or any supporting documents from the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs,” DCI said in a statement on X.

According to DCI, further investigations revealed that two of the suspects lacked work permits or alien registration certificates.

Samples collected from the site were tested at the Government Mining Laboratory.

On April 17, 2025, the accused appeared before Principal Magistrate Court No. 2 at the Kapenguria Law Courts.

They pleaded guilty and were convicted on their own pleas.

Each was fined Sh3,000,000 for unauthorised mining, or one year in prison in default.

For working without valid permits, they were fined Sh400,000 each, with an additional one-year sentence if unpaid.

Two of the suspects were fined an extra Sh200,000 each for unlawful presence in Kenya.

Failure to pay will result in six months' imprisonment.

The court also ordered their repatriation upon completion of their sentences or payment of fines.

“All sentences are to run consecutively,” the court ruled.

Elsewhere, a multi-agency team has arrested a suspect who was found in possession of 294 grams of cocaine.

According to DCI, the suspect was intercepted aboard a Nairobi-bound bus from Moyale.

The arrest occurred at a roadblock set up by security officers along the Northern Frontier route to the capital.

Police said the 28-year-old exhibited suspicious behaviour.

Female officers conducted a search and discovered the narcotics concealed in her body.

The suspect is currently held at Moyale Police Station.

Anti-narcotics officers have taken over the investigation to initiate legal proceedings.