Commission probes abuse of women, children in Taita-Taveta mines
Governor John Mruttu (right) talks to KNCHR Chairperson Kagwiria Mbogori (centre) and Wundanyi MP Thomas Mwadeghu during the launch of human rights violation inquiry at Kamtonga area in Mwatate, Taita Taveta County on August 23, 2016. Looking on is deputy Governor Mary Ndigha. PHOTO | LUCY MKANYIKA | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- KNCHR chairperson said commission had received complaints in relation to land, sexual harassment, labour malpractices and environmental degradation at the mining zones.
- Governor John Mruttu said his government would not allow companies that violate workers’ rights to operate in the county.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has launched investigations into claims of human rights violations in the mining industry in Taita Taveta County.
KNCHR chairperson Kagwiria Mbogori said that the commission had received complaints in relation to land, sexual harassment, labour malpractices and environmental degradation at the mining zones.
She said various stakeholders will submit testimonies before a team of commissioners who will compile a report and share it with various stakeholders for action to be taken.
“We have information that children were dropping out of school to seek employment as artisanal miners. We have also received complaints from workers about poor working conditions and land grabbing,” she mentioned.
Speaking in Kamtonga Mwatate, during thee launch of the public inquiry over allegations of abuse of women and children, Governor John Mruttu said his government would not allow companies that violate workers’ rights to operate in the county
“The county government welcomes investors in the mining sector but we expect them to respect the rights of residents and workers,” Mr Mruttu warned on Monday.
This comes after numerous allegations were raised by residents and human rights activists in the area over abuse of women at the mines.
Governor Mruttu said sustainable development goes hand in hand with respecting the rights of others.
Last year, workers in one mining company in Kasigau accused the manager of sexual harassment.
Mr Mruttu condemned the act saying such investors are not welcome in the county.
He also noted that cases of illegal acquisition of land in the mining zones were caused by lack of title deeds.
The county boss said many cases involving conflicts between residents and investors would be solved if the national government would speed up the issuance of title deeds.
“I urge the commission to table this in their report because it will solve many wrangles between investors and residents,” the governor said.
The enquiry will in the next two weeks receive submissions from victims and later visit Bridges Mining Company.
