Seven Chinese nationals jailed for illegal mining
They were arrested on February12 during a joint operation by the Mining Investigations Unit and officials from the ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs
Seven Chinese nationals have been jailed fined for one year or pay a fine of Ksh 3.4 million by a Kapenguria court for illegal mining and working without permits along the Wei-Wei River in Sigor, Pokot Central Sub-County.
Wang Youping, Xian Zhenming, He Zhouming, Wang Xiaodong, Zhao Zhenwei, Guan Qiang, and Deng Chun were arrested on February12 during a joint operation by the Mining Investigations Unit and officials from the ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.
The team discovered ongoing unlicensed mining activities, recovered several machines and vehicles used at the site, and confirmed that the accused lacked valid licences.
They also established that Zhenming and Chun were in the country without work permits or alien registration, with mineral samples from the site testing positive for quartz.
On April 17, all seven pleaded guilty before Principal Magistrate Nelly Kenei were fined Ksh 3,000,000 for illegal mining, and Ksh 400,000 for working without permits each, or serve a year in prison for each offence.
Additionally, Xian and Deng were fined Ksh 200,000 for unlawful presence or serve six months in default.
They will be repatriated upon completion of their sentences.
All sentences will run consecutively.
