Two Shot Dead After Protesters Attempt to Storm Police Post in Siaya

Two Shot Dead After Protesters Attempt to Storm Police Post in Siaya

Two people were shot dead on Monday, April 6, in Gem-Ramula, Siaya County, after a group of protesters attempted to storm a police post during a demonstration linked to a disputed gold-mining site.

According to authorities, the incident occurred when a group of residents gathered to protest what they described as the illegal occupation and resettlement of a mining company at a site they claim to have been operating.

Confirming the incident, area police commander Charles Wafula said the protest had not been formally communicated to the police, as required under public order regulations.

“The individuals had organized a demonstration but did not notify police,” Wafula stated, adding that the situation escalated after the group became increasingly confrontational.

He explained that officers were deployed to manage the crowd, but tensions quickly intensified as protesters allegedly turned violent and attempted to force entry into the Ramula Police Post.

“Our officers moved in to contain the situation, but the group began attacking both officers and Ramula Police Post,” he said.

During the confrontation, protesters reportedly damaged property at the police station, including official vehicles. A tractor parked near the facility was also set ablaze, further escalating the situation.

Authorities said police officers resorted to live ammunition after assessing that the situation was spiralling out of control. In the ensuing chaos, two youths were fatally shot, while others fled the scene.

Local residents claimed the protest was triggered by frustration over what they perceive as inaction by authorities in addressing concerns surrounding the mining operations, which they argue have disrupted local livelihoods.

Siaya County Commissioner Norbert Komora condemned the violence, attributing the unrest to incitement by unnamed individuals and warning against the recurrence of such incidents.

“Last year, they did the same and the police did not act… this cannot be allowed to continue,” Komora said, suggesting that authorities would take a firmer stance on similar disturbances going forward.

The incident adds to a growing list of confrontations between civilians and law enforcement agencies in the country, particularly during protests that turn violent. In recent years, similar cases have been reported where attempts to storm police stations have resulted in fatal outcomes.

At the height of youth-led demonstrations in mid-2025, several protesters were reportedly shot in Matuu after attempting to force entry into a police station, highlighting the risks associated with escalating tensions during public unrest.

Human rights observers have often called for restraint in the use of force by law enforcement agencies, emphasising the need for proportional responses and dialogue in managing protests. At the same time, security officials have maintained that officers are sometimes compelled to act decisively to protect lives and public infrastructure.

As investigations into the Siaya incident continue, questions are likely to be raised regarding the circumstances that led to the use of live ammunition, as well as the broader issues surrounding the disputed mining site.

Authorities have not yet disclosed whether any arrests have been made in connection with the destruction of property or the alleged unlawful assembly.

The tragic events in Gem-Ramula underscore the fragile balance between public protest and law enforcement, particularly in regions where economic activities such as mining intersect with community interests.

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Two Shot Dead After Protesters Attempt to Storm Police Post in Siaya