Nairobi, April 8 -- At least five houses have been burned down in Gem-Ramula, Siaya County, as protests over an alleged eviction by Shanta Gold Limited spiraled into unrest.

Police say that their initial investigations indicate that the targeted properties belonged to villagers perceived to have softened their stance on the contentious company resettlement plan, an initiative that has sharply divided the community. 

What began as discontent over the proposed eviction has since degenerated into retaliatory attacks, with neighbours turning against each other amid growing mistrust.

Gem Sub-county Police Commander Charles Wafula confirmed that the unrest also left a trail of destruction at Ramula Police Post. Seven police ve...