5 Miners Die as Gold Mine Collapses in Siaya

A tragic incident unfolded in North Ramba, Rarieda, Siaya County, when a mining shaft collapsed, claiming the lives of five female artisanal gold miners. 

Following the incident that occurred on Monday, February 3, rescue efforts were swiftly mobilized, involving police officers and local residents. 

However, despite their efforts, all five victims were pronounced dead at the scene. 

A sixth miner remains unaccounted for, with search and rescue operations suspended due to darkness on Monday night.

In an update on Tuesday morning, March 4, the area MP Otiende Amollo comfirmed the death of the five miners.

“So sad that tragedy has struck again. Last evening, we lost five lives at the site of artisanal mining at Lumba Village in Rarieda. Very painful,” he wrote on X.

The Lumba gold mine, located in a region where artisanal mining is a common livelihood, has been described as a prohibited site.

This comes exactly a month after 12 people were rescued after a gold mine collapsed in Museno Village, Shinyalu, Kakamega County.

In a statement via X on Tuesday, February 4, the Kenya Red Cross said a multi-agency team was on the ground conducting rescue operations on miners still trapped in the gold mine.

“Update as of 0942Hrs: 12 people have been rescued. A multi-agency team, including the Kenya Red Cross, EMS Kenya, the County Disaster Team, local community members, and the Kenya Police, is on the ground leading rescue operations,” the statement read.

The mine’s structure collapsed on Monday, February 3 evening trapping at least 20 miners who were at the site.