Six people have been hospitalised after consuming spring water that was contaminated with poisonous chemicals believed to be syenite from one of the mining processing plants in Ndemra Village-Nyatike subcounty.
Speaking at the mining processing plant that resulted in the poisonous spillover, Nyatike Deputy County Commissioner Daniel Omukoko said such negligence with no regard to human and livestock lives will not be tolerated.
Omukoko said the facility, which did not have a valid mining license, would remain closed, warning all mining processing plants in Nyatike that are operating illegally to remain closed.
The contaminated spring also resulted in the loss of three cows and three goats.
"Investigations are underway and once concluded, the culprits will face the full force of the law for operating illegally and endangering the lives of people, livestock and property," Omukoko said.
He said the county has continued to witness a surge of miners in the area with foreigners flocking to Nyatike without proper documentation and valid mining licenses.
Omukoko said the illegal mining sites were depriving the community, and the national and county governments of revenue that could have improved the lives of the residents.
National government mining inspector Abel Chumba said all operators in the mining industry who do not have valid licenses should remain closed until they legalise their operations.
Chumba said anybody who wants to invest in mining should visit the mining departments in their respective areas to get the legal framework as guided by the Mining Act.
He added that all mining processing plants in Migori with no license will remain closed to prevent harm that may cost the environment and the lives of the people and livestock.
The official said there is no benefit to the county and national government in terms of revenue if illegal miners are allowed to operate freely without following the set mining rules and regulations.
Moris Ogwal, a resident of Ndemra village in Nyatike who lost two cows said he had lost his investment that he depended on.
Ogwal however applauded the efforts that the government has made in closing down the mining processing plants to ensure no further harm is caused to the residents.
He called on the processing plants in the area to adhere to the rules set by the mining sector to preserve the lives of the locals and their livestock.