Busia Elder Demands Justice Following Brutal Night Raid Tied to Mining Firm

James Kauka, a 60-year-old resident of Amagoro Village in Buteba Sub-county, Busia District, is struggling to recover after a violent midnight raid at his home left him with broken ribs and a fractured hand. The incident occurred on September 18, when armed individuals and Chinese nationals allegedly forced their way into his residence to arrest his son.

According to Kauka, the confrontation turned violent when he attempted to intervene. He stated that he was knocked to the ground and beaten, while private guards from Yessam Security Firm fired live rounds into the air. Village Chairperson Amos Okitwi later visited the scene, recovered spent bullet cartridges, and helped transport the injured elder to the hospital, where medical scans confirmed his severe bone fractures.

While an assault case has been registered at the Busia Central Police Station, representatives for Wagagai Gold Mining Company have disputed the claims. Bryan Wasike, a legal representative for the firm, argued that a joint operation involving police and private security was conducted to arrest the victim’s son over alleged theft, denying that Chinese nationals engaged in violence. Local leaders, however, maintain that grievances regarding high-handedness by foreign mining personnel are widespread in the area.

Bukedi Region Police Spokesperson Moses Mugwe confirmed that detectives have concluded initial investigations and submitted the case file to the Office of the Resident State Attorney for legal direction. Meanwhile, Kauka and his family continue to face financial hardships and ongoing intimidation as they await a resolution from law enforcement authorities. Read more about this developing story on the Daily Monitor.