At least fifteen people are feared dead, and others trapped after a gold mine collapsed at Rumos along the West Pokot – Turkana border on Friday, triggering an emergency rescue operation.
West Pokot county commissioner David Saruni confirmed the incident, saying rescue teams had been dispatched to the remote mining site as authorities raced against time to locate the miners.
According to preliminary reports, the miners were carrying out gold extraction activities when the shaft suddenly caved in.
The exact cause of the collapse had not been established by Friday evening, although local authorities suspect unstable underground tunnels and ongoing rains could have contributed to the incident.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a stern warning against illegal gold mining in the region.
The CS took issue with the illegal activities in the county, which is suspected to have resulted in 15 fatalities after the collapse of a goldmine pit, stressing that those involved will be pursued and prosecuted.
“Investigations are ongoing to establish whether the tragedy resulted from illegal mining activities, warning that tough action will be taken against those found culpable,” said the CS.
He condoled with the families who lost their loved ones in the gold mine tragedy.
“Fifteen people lost their lives, and it is very painful,” he condoled.
He added, “We will take firm legal action against them.”
The CS said he is working closely with his counterpart in the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs CS Hassan Joho to ensure proper regulation of mining activities.
“As a Ministry, we will work together with the Ministry of Mining to ensure that mining activities in West Pokot and across the country are organised, regulated and orderly,” he said.
The CS speaking in West Pokot county where he was accompanied by Public Works PS Joel Arumonyang, Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto, woman representative Rael Kasiwai, former governor John Lonyangapuo, and MCAs, among other leaders.
Security officers, disaster response teams and local volunteers were mobilized to assist in the rescue efforts, with officials warning that access to the area remains challenging due to poor terrain along the border region.
The collapse has once again raised concerns over safety standards in informal mining sites across the north rift, where artisanal miners often operate without proper protective equipment or structural assessments.
Authorities said efforts to establish the identities of those trapped were ongoing as families and residents gathered near the scene awaiting updates.
No fatalities had been officially confirmed by the time of publication.
Follow our social media pages for breaking news updates, in-depth stories and videos.
news@nairobilens.ke
