Corrupt Joho Exposed in Shady Battle for Turkana’s Goldfields

Once celebrated as the suave, flamboyant politician from Mombasa, Hassan Joho is now facing sharp criticism over alleged underhand dealings in Kenya’s multi-billion-shilling mining industry.

Appointed as Mining Cabinet Secretary with high hopes of reform, Joho is instead being accused of using his office to serve personal interests in gold-rich Turkana.

With court cases piling up and accusations of irregular licensing and favoritism flying high, the man tasked with bringing order has instead plunged the sector into deeper controversy. The “corrupt Joho” tag is gaining traction—and fast.

Hassan Joho may still wear sharp suits and command a loyal base, but as the battle for Turkana’s goldfields intensifies, he is being unmasked. The allegations are serious, the evidence is growing, and the people are watching. [Photo: Courtesy]

Joho Under Fire Over Turkana Gold Dispute

A storm is brewing in Turkana’s expansive goldfields, and at the eye of it is flamboyant Mining CS Hassan Joho.

The former Mombasa governor, known for his flashy lifestyle and smooth talk, now faces accusations of steering the mining docket into murky waters.

Four gold exploration companies—Mayfox Mining Company Ltd, Lorado Company Ltd, AHG Metals Kenya Ltd, and H-Nuo Kenya Ltd—are fiercely battling for rights to prime goldfields in the Naduat area of Nakalale Ward, Turkana County.

Observers now describe Joho’s alleged corrupt involvement as the driving force behind the illegal and irregular issuance of mining licenses.

Instead of stabilizing the industry and promoting fairness, Joho is facing claims of pushing through questionable deals behind closed doors.

A court case that Mayfox initiated has exposed how officials allegedly manipulated decisions to favor selected companies.

The firm is challenging the ministry’s decision to allocate its gold-rich cadaster area to Lorado Company—an allocation that later morphed into three blocks handed to AHG Metals and H-Nuo Kenya.

This shift raises tough questions about what role Joho played in these controversial allocations and whether he is truly working in Kenya’s best interests—or just his own.

Corrupt Joho Accused of Favoring Selfish Interests

Lorado Company Limited claims that officials suspiciously pushed it out of its rightful territory. It accuses CS Joho, the Director of Mines and Geology, and the Attorney-General of having a clear and biased agenda.

Their alleged goal? To ensure AHG Metals and H-Nuo Kenya get licenses for the disputed fields, no matter what the court decides.

This is not mere corporate mudslinging. Documents filed in court reveal that on March 20, 2025, Joho issued a public notice stating his intention to grant a mining license to AHG Metals—right in the middle of a legal dispute. This move defied logic and standard procedure.

Mayfox’s representative, Manga Mugwe, also testified that their cadaster area had mysteriously vanished from the official mining portal early last year. No explanation was given. No communication followed. Just silence—and the quiet reallocation of land to new players.

Observers say this is a textbook case of state capture. Joho, they argue, is acting less like a public servant and more like a broker cutting private deals from a public office.

Gold, Greed and the Fall of a Reform Promise

Kenya Kwanza brought Joho into its fold with the promise that he would rejuvenate the country’s mining sector.

The country hoped he would unlock the true potential of its mineral wealth and put in place systems that work. That hope is now fast evaporating.

The Turkana goldfields are not just any piece of land—they hold massive potential for job creation, foreign exchange, and infrastructure development. Mishandling them could rob local communities of billions and deepen economic inequalities.

Instead of pursuing a transparent and inclusive mining strategy, the corrupt Joho now appears to be cutting corners, ignoring court processes, and favoring cronies. This has created a toxic environment that is scaring away genuine investors and disrupting orderly development in the sector.

The public has every right to be angry. When the man who should fix the system becomes its worst abuser, accountability must follow.