Five Killed After Goldmine Collapses in Kakamega

Five people were killed after an underground goldmine in Kakamega County collapsed on Thursday evening.

Authorities said the five miners died after a rockfall blocked the entrance to the goldmine in Bushiangala, Ikolomani Sub-County.

"There were 15 miners in the goldmine. While they were inside the tunnel, they were reportedly digging when a rock suddenly fell and blocked the way out. Others struggled and managed to come out alive, some with injuries," said Kakamega South Police Commander Joseph Chesire.

The victims died as a result of suffocation and injuries while five of the 10 survivors sustained minor injuries.

The area contains minor gold deposits, which attract many miners who brave the unsteady shafts in search of the precious stone.

Chesire divulged that the shafts go as deep as 200 meters below ground and are reinforced with wooden structures. Some mines accommodate up to 60 miners.

"The miners often enter the mines in shifts. They go deep down, passing the water level, and pump oxygen into the mines. This was a community mine, a project of the locals,” said Chesire.

Following the tragedy, Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya banned all mining activities in the county.

"Following this incident, I have banned all mining activities in the county during this rainy season," he announced.