Two including a cop killed, 10 injured in fight over control of Hilo gold mine in Marsabit…

At least two people including a police officer were Friday shot and killed in a clash over a gold mining site in Hilo, Moyale, Marsabit County, The attackers stole a G3 rifle loaded with 20 bullets from the slain officer, The site is among those closed over safety issues but illegal miners keep invading there for a living…

Police said several people including police officers and the invaders were injured in the Friday, July 19 tragedy, The deceased were identified as constable George Mukoma of Boarder Patrol Unit and was attached to Hilo to help fight the gangs, The other is a civilian identified as Hassan Harrow Odono. They were both shot in the clash.

Police from the Hillo operation camp said at around 1 am on Friday a large group of people of about 3000 forcefully entered Hilo Walikiti gold mining site and started pelting stones at the security officers who were guarding the site, The police officers managed to repulse the attackers, A major operation was planned in the area for the stolen weapon and the attackers, The site has been a scene of drama between state agencies and miners who want to venture there for gold deposits, It was closed for safety reasons.

The Hilo Gold mine, situated near the Kenya-Ethiopia border in Dabel, has been a focal point for gold mining activities, attracting numerous youths seeking to earn a living through gold scavenging, However, due to safety and security concerns, the government ordered the closure of the mine on March 14, 2024, Despite the closure, it appears that some miners continued their operations illegally, leading to this unfortunate incident.