A tragic incident at a gold mining site in Migori County has claimed the life of a miner after a pit collapsed in Kanyasrega village. The victim, 32-year-old Gordon Oluoch, was inside the excavation when the walls gave way, trapping him. He died before rescuers could retrieve his body, which was later moved to the mortuary.
Authorities report that Oluoch was working alone in the pit while his colleagues remained outside, handling the gold deposits he had extracted. The area is known for its rich gold deposits, which continue to attract locals seeking a living from informal mining.
This latest death highlights the dangers facing miners in the region, where unsafe practices are widespread. Reports indicate that miners often use heavy equipment to excavate gold, which weakens pit walls and increases the risk of collapse. Despite government directives ordering mining operations to halt until the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) completes environmental impact assessments, many miners continue to operate in hazardous conditions.
Officials warn that these incidents are recurring, with at least one miner reported dead weekly in Migori and other counties such as Siaya, Kakamega, Moyale, and West Pokot. The lack of cooperation from local leadership in enforcing safety measures has been cited as a major contributor to these fatalities.
In a separate incident in Uasin Gishu County, a wrestling game turned deadly when a 17-year-old fatally stabbed a 19-year-old friend in Kapsoya, Naiberi. The altercation reportedly followed a disagreement during the game, leading the assailant to grab a kitchen knife and fatally injure the victim. The attacker fled the scene, and authorities are pursuing him as the deceased awaits an autopsy.
The Migori mining tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter adherence to safety regulations and environmental guidelines in artisanal mining sites. With repeated fatalities becoming common, local authorities and miners face mounting pressure to prioritize safety over immediate economic gains.
