Four miners lost their lives in a tragic incident at an abandoned gold mining site in Ruga village, Kowidi Location, Rachuonyo South, Homa Bay County. The accident, which occurred on Monday afternoon, has once again highlighted the dangers of unregulated mining in the region.
According to Homa Bay County Police Commander Hassan Barua, the miners ventured into the 900-foot-deep shaft without oxygen-supporting equipment. The site had been abandoned for three years, and the miners had not informed the owner about their activities. Witnesses said there were five miners at the location, but only four entered the mine, while the fifth remained at the entrance.
“The deceased ventured into the mine without any tools or oxygen-supporting equipment, relying solely on a rope to descend,” Barua stated. The fifth miner, realizing that the rope had stopped moving and receiving no response when he called out, raised the alarm. Authorities later retrieved the bodies and took them to Rachuonyo South Sub-County Mortuary.
This tragic incident underscores the increasing dangers faced by artisanal miners who risk their lives in unsafe conditions. Such accidents have been on the rise at mining sites across the country, prompting the government to take stricter measures.
Following the incident, authorities have reiterated the immediate ban on unlicensed mining activities in the area. The government has also warned against the use of heavy machinery in mining sites, citing concerns that such equipment weakens the structures and makes them unsafe. Despite repeated warnings, many small and medium enterprise miners continue to engage in mining activities, arguing that it remains their primary source of livelihood.
To address the issue, the government has formed a special police unit tasked with enforcing compliance in mining operations. The unit will ensure that all mining sites, including quarries, are properly managed and covered to prevent further tragedies. The authorities have also called on site owners to take responsibility for the safety of their premises.
Gold mining is a significant economic activity in several regions of Kenya, including Moyale, Migori, Kakamega, and West Pokot. However, the lack of proper safety measures continues to endanger the lives of miners. Officials are now urging those involved in mining to seek professional advice and adhere to safety protocols to prevent further loss of life.
As the government intensifies efforts to regulate the sector, it remains to be seen whether these measures will be enough to curb the rising number of mining-related fatalities. For now, the tragic deaths of the four miners in Homa Bay serve as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking beneath unregulated mining practices.
