Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has issued a strong call for gold miners in Kakamega County to prioritize their safety following a harrowing incident where at least 12 miners were trapped in a gold mine in Shinyalu. The incident occurred on Monday evening when the walls of a mineshaft collapsed, leaving 20 miners trapped underground.
In a statement following the tragic accident, Mudavadi stressed the importance of safety for miners, stating, “Your lives are invaluable, and no measure is too great when it comes to ensuring your well-being.” He urged all miners to exercise utmost caution in their operations, acknowledging the dangerous nature of their work but emphasizing that safety should always come first.
By the time Mudavadi addressed the media, a multi-agency rescue operation had successfully rescued eight miners from the collapsed shaft. Thankfully, those rescued did not sustain any injuries. The ongoing rescue efforts, however, were still focused on bringing the remaining trapped miners to safety. Rescue teams, including personnel from the Kenya Red Cross, county disaster management teams, and local police, continued to work tirelessly throughout the night to locate the remaining miners.
Shinyalu, a region known for its rich gold deposits, has long been a hotspot for artisanal mining, where many locals engage in small-scale operations in search of a livelihood. However, the unregulated nature of these mining activities has led to a significant number of accidents over the years, some of which have resulted in fatalities. Despite the efforts of local authorities and rescue teams, the risks involved in such operations remain high.
Kakamega County, renowned for its gold resources, has witnessed multiple mining-related accidents, and this recent incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by artisanal miners. Local police commander Daniel Makumbu echoed Mudavadi’s concerns, warning residents to stay clear of the collapsed area to avoid further casualties. “The area around the collapsed shaft is risky, and we are not going to allow people to mill near it because we do not want more casualties,” Makumbu said.
As search and rescue operations continue, Mudavadi’s message remains clear: the safety of miners must take precedence, and no effort should be spared to protect lives in such hazardous environments. The tragedy in Shinyalu highlights the urgent need for stronger safety measures and regulation within the mining sector to prevent further loss of life.
