The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Four people lost their lives on Thursday, October 2, after a gold mining shaft collapsed in Kambi Karai, West Pokot County.
Police identified the victims as Silas Losenya, 22, Jacob Tsangana, 30, Morio Akotopuo, 35, and 14-year-old Lopoghon Lopakar. Witnesses said the victims were buried alive when the mine caved in. Other miners managed to escape unhurt.
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Authorities said officers rushed to the scene after being alerted by local reservists, and the bodies were later moved to Kapenguria County Hospital Mortuary. Local leaders were expected to visit the site on Friday.
The incident adds to a series of fatal accidents reported in Kenya’s informal gold mining sector. On September 27, a 28-year-old miner, Charles Okongo, died in Masara, Migori County, after suffocating inside a tunnel moments after a Chinese site manager detonated explosives to excavate gold.
The tragedy sparked protests by locals who vandalized property at the site and accused the company of using unauthorized explosives. Police later rescued the Chinese national and arrested him as investigations began.
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Authorities note that unsafe working conditions, lack of protective gear, and disregard of safety warnings continue to expose artisanal miners to life-threatening risks. Despite ongoing campaigns by the National Environment Management Authority, police, and county governments, many miners persist in working in dangerous shafts, often at night.
