A surprising discovery of gold in Oyugis, Homa Bay County, has caused a frenzy after two men reportedly struck the precious metal while digging a latrine.
The incident, which took place in a village within the Oyugis area, has since drawn massive attention, with curious and hopeful villagers flocking to the scene in search of gold.
According to residents, the two men were working on a pit latrine when they noticed shiny particles in the soil. Upon closer inspection, they suspected the substance could be gold.
Word quickly spread around the village, sparking a rush of locals eager to try their luck at unearthing more of the valuable metal.
In the chaos that followed, maize plantations near the site were trampled and destroyed as dozens of villagers descended on the area, carrying shovels and hoes.
Eyewitnesses say the situation quickly became unmanageable as more people arrived, some even coming from neighboring villages after hearing about the find.
“It was like a scene from a movie,” said one local resident. “People left everything and ran to the site. Some even came with sacks, hoping to carry some of the soil home.”
Local leaders have expressed concern over the destruction of crops and the growing tension in the area. They have called on the community to remain calm and wait for geological experts to assess whether the substance found is truly gold and if the site holds any real mining potential.
“We urge residents not to destroy each other’s property,” said a local chief. “Let professionals come in and verify the findings before any further steps are taken.”
Officers from the Ministry of Mining and Geology are expected to visit the site soon for soil testing and verification. If confirmed to be gold, the government may step in to regulate further activities in the area.
Meanwhile, the landowner where the initial discovery was made is reportedly worried about safety and damage to his farm.
“I was just digging a latrine,” he said. “Now my whole compound is full of strangers. My maize has been destroyed.”
The incident has reignited dreams of wealth in a region largely dependent on small-scale farming and informal businesses.
However, experts warn that unregulated gold rushes can lead to conflict, environmental degradation, and exploitation.
Authorities are now working to cordon off the area and restore order, even as the mystery of Oyugis’ “gold rush” continues to unfold.
Gold walipata ya Kwanza they were paid KSh 10,000 pic.twitter.com/1bJovpTYN6
— The Nairobi Times (@TheNairobiTimez) May 13, 2025
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