Rescue efforts underway after mine collapses burying miners in Shinyalu, Kakamega
According to witnesses, the miners had been excavating when the structure collapsed, causing a dangerous situation for those inside.
Several miners are feared dead after a mine they were working in collapsed in Shinyalu, Kakamega County on Monday evening.
At least 20 miners were working in a shaft in Museno village when the walls of the mine suddenly caved in, trapping the workers inside.
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According to witnesses, the miners had been excavating when the structure collapsed, causing a dangerous situation for those inside.
Shinyalu Sub-County Police Commander Daniel Mukumbu confirmed the incident and reported that rescue operations were immediately launched.
Miners, in collaboration with police officers, worked throughout Monday night in an attempt to rescue their trapped colleagues.
By Tuesday morning, eight miners had been successfully pulled from the debris, but 12 others remained trapped in the shaft.
Patrick Ligami, the deputy chairman of the miners’ union, spoke about the challenges faced during the rescue operation.
He said the lack of proper equipment had significantly slowed down their efforts, making it difficult to carry out an efficient and safe rescue.
Authorities continue to search for the remaining miners, while the community and the rescue teams await further updates.
"We urge residents to exercise patience and caution as the search operation continues. The area around the collapsed shaft is fragile, and we won't allow people to gather near the site to avoid further casualties," Makumbu said.
Patrick Mukhule, chairperson of the Western Regional Rescue Team, said the men who were rescued earlier were not injured.
"The accident happened at about 6 pm on Monday, and rescue operations started immediately. We managed to rescue eight people who were not affected in any way. But we are afraid that some of the remaining miners may have died by now," Mukhule said.
According to Mukhule, a group of young men was Tuesday morning heading to the collapsed shaft to try and reach the trapped miners.
"We are talking to them by phone, and the situation is not good. Some of them may not be alive," he added.
Kakamega County has one of the largest mining operations in western Kenya, with large gold deposits in areas like Lurambi, Shinyalu, and Ikolomani sub-counties.
Mines in Kenya are known to be dangerous and often collapse due to poor safety measures.
Almost every month, reports of deaths of artisanal miners in one of the country's mines make the news.
Last month, three miners suffocated after a gold mine collapsed in Ikolomani.
Legal issues also surround the licensing of artisanal mining in Kakamega.
About 8,000 miners are working illegally in the county, putting both their lives and the environment at risk.
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