Khwisero gold diggers brave hazardous river to get rich quick

James Namayi (left) and Isaac Omkoko harvest gold sand from River Yala in Emakuche village in Kakamega County. Unlike in Ikolomani where residents dig more than 100 fit deep, locals in Kwisero get the gold sand from the shores of River Yala. [Mumo Munuve, Standard]

Tens of ponds, some surrounded by fresh mud, dot the banks of River Yala at Emakuche in Khwisero sub-County, Kakamega County.

You would be forgiven for thinking they are fish ponds.