A conflict is developing between the Alego and Ugenya clans in Siaya County, which borders River Nzoia, as a result of sand harvesting along the river’s banks.
Residents of Rapenji village in West Alego, led by Lucia Akoth Onyango, have decried environmental degradation along the banks of the River Nzoia, accusing their counterparts of invading their riverside farms.
Akoth complained that the sand harvesting activity, which has now lasted nearly three years, has resulted in the River Nzoia forming a massive watercourse that has swept through their over eight acres of land.
Sylvester Omondi a resident also, said that as a result of the degradation, their crops were swept away putting the region at risk of food shortage, adding that their efforts to have the vice stopped have been futile.
Thomas Owegi alleged that sand harvesters have often disregarded their complaints because some work for senior government officials who own the boats that are used during the sand harvesting activity.
