In a tragic incident on October 2, 2025, four miners were killed after a gold mine shaft collapsed in West Pokot County. The victims, identified as Silas Losenya (22), Jacob Tsangana (30), Morio Akotopuo (35), and 14-year-old Lopoghon Lopakar, were trapped and buried alive when the mine caved in. Despite efforts from other miners to assist, the collapse proved fatal. Fortunately, other workers at the site managed to escape unharmed.
The incident occurred at a gold mining site in the Kambi Karai area, which is known for its rich gold deposits. Many locals rely on small-scale mining for their livelihoods, often working in hazardous conditions. Following the collapse, police and local officials were dispatched to the scene. The bodies of the deceased miners were recovered and transferred to the Kapenguria County Hospital Mortuary. Local authorities have promised to visit the site in the coming days for further assessment.
This accident follows a string of similar incidents that have raised alarm over safety in the country’s informal mining sector. Just days before, a separate mining incident in Migori County resulted in the death of a miner due to an explosion at a gold mine. The explosion was reportedly set off intentionally by a Chinese manager to excavate gold, but one miner, Charles Okongo, entered the site shortly after the explosion and suffocated in the tunnel. His death sparked outrage among local miners, leading to property damage and a confrontation with the mine’s management.
Despite ongoing campaigns to improve safety at mining sites, such tragedies continue to occur with alarming frequency. Many miners in these areas lack basic safety equipment, and the informal nature of these operations often results in unsafe working conditions. Additionally, miners frequently defy orders to stay away from hazardous sites, sometimes even working in the mines at night.
Efforts to address these concerns are being led by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), local police, and county officials, who are collaborating to ensure that mining operations are conducted safely. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives remains in question, as miners continue to take risks in search of gold, which remains a significant economic opportunity for many in the region.
