OSCAR KAKAI
Sunday June 8, 2025
Panic has gripped a village in West Pokot County after four people died and several others were injured when a gold mining pit collapsed on Saturday at 2 am.
West Pokot County Commissioner Khalif Abdullahi said the four were buried alive after the gold mine caved in at Karon Village in the Turkwel area.
The deceased have been identified as Lotudung Leng’ole, 49; Lemareng Lorionomut, 25; Siliye Chepomerkut, a 32-year-old woman; and Poshen Termoi, 27.
The injured include Kodeng Moses, David Lokodomuk, Lotuwun Tople, Alias Lomerkada, and Alias Ortum.
Midnight collapseThe bodies were moved to Kapenguria Mortuary, while the injured are receiving treatment at Kapenguria Referral Hospital.
“It was reported that some artisanal miners died after a minor landslide at a mining site near the Turkwel River within Kositei Sub-location. Police officers rushed to the scene and established that about 15 people were at the mining site,” said Mr Khalif.
Kositei Sub-location Assistant Chief Joseph Siwa said the incident happened at 2 am.
“The miners had gone to search for gold, but they were buried alive after the mines collapsed,” said Mr Siwa.
West Pokot County Disaster Management Chief Officer David Chepelion and Kenya Red Cross Society West Pokot County branch coordinator Scholar Kapello said rescue operations were underway.
West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin said the matter was under investigation by security agencies.
“My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected. I wish the injured a quick recovery. Rescue efforts are ongoing, and we remain hopeful of more survivors,” said Mr Kachapin.
History of unsafe mining
Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong termed the deaths as saddening and cautioned artisanal miners against taking risks.
“We remain firmly opposed to illegal commercial mining in West Pokot. These operations, driven by greed and carried out without regard for safety or regulation, continue to put lives at risk and exploit our land and people,” said Mr Lochakapong.
Local leaders have protested against illegal mining activities in Orwa, Kambi Karaya, Lami Nyeusi, Turkwel, and Rumos areas.
They want the mining activities halted, citing exploitation by foreigners, environmental destruction, and land conflicts among clans over control of the mining fields.