A police operation netted at least 56 people in Isulu, Ikolomani, following a fatal clash during a public participation forum on gold mining activities in the area.
Police said the incident left at least four people dead and dozens injured.
The confrontation occurred during a National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) meeting on Thursday, after a section of residents opposed the planned project.
The injured were taken to nearby hospitals with multiple injuries.
Additional police officers were deployed to the area, and arrests were carried out in surrounding villages.
According to police, those arrested are expected to face charges that may include assault and preparation to commit a felony.
Tension remained high in the area after the running battles between police and residents, which left four people dead and at least 25 police officers and civilians injured.
The fatalities were reported on December 4, 2025.
The public participation forum, organised by NEMA to discuss a proposed gold extraction project, turned chaotic when a group of youths blocked the road to Musali Mixed Day and Boarding Senior School and confronted officials en route to the meeting.
Several journalists were also injured in the clashes, and property at the school was destroyed.
Some residents say they oppose the project, arguing it could displace about 800 families and affect their livelihoods.
Witnesses said the group moved from Isulu to the school, the designated venue for the meeting, where property, including chairs, books and shelves, was damaged.
Police, who have launched investigations, said they are examining whether the violence may have been organised, though no group has been formally identified.
Ikolomani Deputy County Commissioner Geofrey Mayama said inquiries are ongoing.
Two police officers who were seriously injured are receiving treatment at Kakamega County General Teaching and Referral Hospital.
More police officers have since been deployed to restore calm, and the NEMA meeting was called off.
