Migori: 2 Police Officers Injured, Politician Stabbed In Gold Mine Clash

• Macalder Kanyarwanda MCA Felix Okwanyo was injured in a melee involving rowdy youths, the police and his supporters
• According to Lifecare Hospital director Mayank Puri, the politician sustained injuries to his head, arms, and chest
• Okwanyo told TUKO.co.ke that he will continue fighting for the people to defend the gold mine from being sold to Chinese investors

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Migori - Macalder Kanyarwanda MCA Felix Okwanyo is hospitalised with a stab wound following an alleged assault by unidentified youths from the Nyatike sub-county.

Dr Mayank Puri, Director of Lifecare Hospital Operations, and his colleague Dr Ngasi Cavin confirmed that they received the injured individuals, including MCA Okwanyo, who sustained injuries to his chest, head, and arms.

"We received information that about five people have been injured in an altercation at Macalder, Nyatike. They have been referred here. The injured included Felix Odhiambo the MCA for Macalder. He sustained injuries to his chest, head and arms," confirmed Mayank.

What caused chaos leading to Okwanyo's attack?

The incident involved locals, police, and a faction linked to a visiting politician clashing for hours.

This turmoil erupted after MCA Okwanyo was reportedly beaten and stabbed over the contentious ‘Copper Hill’ gold mining site.

Two police officers sustained severe head injuries and were rushed to the same hospital. Another individual, identified as Julian Adongo, also suffered injuries from a stray bullet but is currently stable after treatment.

During the unrest, a politician's vehicle was destroyed by fire, while police used teargas to disperse the crowd.

How did Felix Okwanyo respond to the attack?

In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, Okwanyo called on the National Police Service to urgently restore order and ensure the safety of residents.

He also accused the Migori governor Ochillo Ayacko of orchestrating the attack that nearly cost him his life.

"I thank God because I saw death at my place of work. Some goons attacked me unnecessarily. I am asking the relevant authorities to safeguard the lives of people. But I will not stop fighting for our people," he stated.

Okwanyo further accused Governor Ayacko of siding with the foreign Chinese investors, who wanted the locals to stop working in the mines.

"If I have to die defending this mine from greedy investors who are not thinking of my people, then so be it,” he added.

In addition, the ward representative asked the county boss to stop forcing foreign investors down their throats.

How did Ochillo Ayacko react after Okwanyo's assault?

The county boss distanced himself from the accusations, stating that the ugly incident resulted from a few individuals who were out to cause insecurity for self-interest.

He also refuted claims that his administration was out to sell the gold mines.

“I was in Nyatike, had a brief meeting, and left. I am told there were some few individuals who were causing insecurities prompting the police to act," Ochillo said.

"I understand they were told that the county government of Migori wants to sell the land where the mines are, and I can confirm that is a pathetic lie,” he added.

Nyatike is known to be rich in a minerals area, with foreign investors always scrambling to have space for investment.

Traffic cop injured in clash with matatu crew

In other news, a traffic cop was injured on River Road following a clash with matatu touts.

Video footage which went viral showed the clutching his head in pain while a civilian directed him to a car.

Some police officers arrived to quell the situation but a tout continued to cause a disturbance as the police tried to arrest him.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke