Siaya County mourns the loss of two artisanal miners following a tragic gold mine accident in Rera Sub-location, South Gem location, on Saturday evening. The miners were trapped underground when the mining shaft they were working in collapsed.
According to a police incident report, rescue teams, including local authorities and community members, managed to save Evans Mbogo and Walter Nyaoko Okech. Both survivors were rushed to a nearby health facility for treatment after being retrieved from the unstable mine.
Tragically, the bodies of Dickson Odongo, 30, and Michael Oduor, 23, were recovered hours later. Odongo’s body was retrieved at 3:15 a.m., while Oduor’s was found at 5:45 a.m. Authorities noted that the rescue operation faced significant challenges due to the fragile condition of the mine, which continued to collapse throughout the night.
In response to the accident, local administrators have temporarily suspended all mining activities in Rera Sub-location until the end of the rainy season. During this period, officials plan to conduct comprehensive inspections of all mining sites to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Additionally, a community meeting has been scheduled to raise awareness about mining safety and improve emergency preparedness in the area. This initiative aims to prevent future tragedies and ensure that local miners operate under safer conditions.
Mining accidents remain a significant risk in artisanal and small-scale mines across Kenya, with safety often compromised due to inadequate infrastructure and oversight. Authorities urge all miners to adhere to safety protocols and report unsafe conditions promptly.
The Siaya incident underscores the urgent need for stricter safety measures in the mining sector, as well as ongoing community education to protect miners’ lives.
