By Dorothy Musyoka
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has successfully secured the conviction of seven Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining operations along the Wei-Wei River in Sigor, Pokot Central Sub-County, West Pokot County.
The convictions, delivered at the Kapenguria Law Courts on April 17, 2025, follow a coordinated enforcement operation carried out on February 12, 2025, by the Mining Investigations Unit in collaboration with officials from the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.
The convicted individuals were found operating an unlicensed mining site.
“The accused Wang Youping, Xian Zhenming, He Zhouming, Wang Xiaodong, Zhao Zhenwei, Guan Qiang and Deng Chun were arrested on 12th February 2025 during a joint operation by the Mining Investigations Unit and officials from the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs,” stated the ODPP.
During the raid, authorities recovered various machines and vehicles used in the illegal activity. Laboratory tests later confirmed that the minerals being extracted included quartz.
ODPP Prosecutors Mokaya Stephen and Gregory Suter led the case against the accused, establishing that all seven were engaging in mining activities without the requisite permits.
Additionally, investigations revealed that two of the individuals, Xian Zhenming and Deng Chun, were residing in Kenya without valid work permits or alien registration.
Appearing before Principal Magistrate Hon. Nelly Kenei, all seven pleaded guilty to the charges. Each was fined KSh 3,000,000 for illegal mining and KSh 400,000 for engaging in employment without work permits.
In default, they face one-year imprisonment for each offence. Furthermore, Xian and Deng received an additional KSh 200,000 fine for unlawful presence in the country, or six months in prison if they fail to pay.
“On 17th April 2025, all seven pleaded guilty before Principal Magistrate Hon. Nelly Kenei. Each was fined KSh 3,000,000 for illegal mining, and KSh 400,000 for working without permits, or serve a year in prison for each offence,” noted the ODPP.
All sentences will run consecutively. Upon completion of their jail terms or payment of fines, the convicted persons will be repatriated to China.