Kakamega, Kenya – A tragic incident occurred on February 3, 2025, when a gold mine collapsed in Shinyalu, Kakamega County, trapping several miners underground. The collapse has left at least 12 miners buried alive, with rescue operations currently underway.
The accident took place in the Museno village, where more than 20 miners were working in the shaft at the time. Fortunately, rescuers managed to pull 8 miners out alive during the initial rescue operation by villagers and police on Monday night. However, the remaining 12 miners are still trapped, and the situation remains critical.
Local authorities, including the Shinyalu Sub-County Police Commander Daniel Makumbu, have confirmed that the search and rescue operation will continue until all the missing miners are accounted for. The Kenya Red Cross and the Kakamega County Disaster Response team have also been dispatched to the scene to assist in the rescue efforts.
The incident has highlighted the dangers associated with artisanal mining in the region, where safety precautions are often inadequate. Kakamega County has one of the largest mining operations in Western Kenya, but it has also seen numerous accidents in recent years due to poor safety measures.
As the rescue operations continue, the community is urged to exercise patience and caution, avoiding the area around the collapsed shaft to prevent further casualties. The families of the trapped miners are holding onto hope, praying for the safe return of their loved ones.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for improved safety standards and regulations in the mining industry to prevent such tragedies in the future.
