Tragic tales of Taita-Taveta gemstone ‘barons’ who blew millions

The industry requires the patience of the biblical Job [Photo: Courtesy]

Taita-Taveta County could be largely semi-arid with a relatively rustic lifestyle, but never short of sideshows, courtesy of the Sh20 billion mining industry and the shenanigans of its overnight millionaires.

A case in point is that of a miner in Voi town who had made so much money he saw it fit to order chicken stew with plates meant for customers, but fed his dog instead. When the owner complained, the dog lover promptly paid for the food and plates and gave a generous tip to the waiters for good measure.