Khalwale’s Nephew Among Three Killed in Kakamega Gold Mine Collapse
A tragic incident in Shinyalu, Kakamega County, has left three people dead after a gold mine collapsed, trapping several miners underground. The heartbreaking news was confirmed on Tuesday by Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, who revealed that one of the deceased was his nephew.
According to the Senator, a total of 22 miners were inside the gold mine when it caved in. While 19 of them were successfully rescued, three did not survive.
“I am currently in Machilisi village, Shinyalu Constituency, where a goldmine collapsed last night, trapping 22 men. So far, 19 have been rescued, but unfortunately, three are feared dead, including my nephew, Sasita Chui,” Khalwale said in a statement.
The Kenya Red Cross had earlier reported the collapse on Monday evening, indicating that an estimated 12 miners were initially believed to be trapped inside the mine. Rescuers quickly swung into action, managing to save seven miners who escaped with minor injuries. The incident occurred around 7 p.m.
Illegal Mining and Safety Concerns
Following the tragedy, Senator Khalwale attributed the frequent mining accidents in the region to fraud and corruption among gold cartels operating in Kakamega. He accused these cartels of flouting mining regulations in their quest for illegal gold extraction, putting the lives of miners at risk.
The Senator also called on the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Joho, to personally visit Kakamega and take decisive action against illegal mining activities.
“Joho, you have been telling us that you are concerned about this issue. We are not applying pressure, but we need action. The KSh 1 billion generated from gold in Kakamega should be accounted for and benefit the local community and hardworking hustlers,” Khalwale stated.
His remarks came just after CS Joho issued a strong warning against illegal mining during his visit to Siaya County. The CS emphasized that mining investors must ensure that 1% of their total revenue is allocated to benefit local communities. He also encouraged gold-rich regions to form committees that will engage in negotiations to ensure fair distribution of mining benefits.
Government Calls for Safety in Mining
Meanwhile, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi urged miners across the country to put their safety first and take extra precautions while working.
“To all miners, I urge you to prioritize safety and exercise the highest level of caution in your operations. Your lives are invaluable, and no safety measure is too extreme when it comes to protecting your well-being,” Mudavadi stated on Tuesday.
The tragic loss of lives in Shinyalu has once again highlighted the dangers of mining in Kenya, especially when safety protocols are not strictly followed. Authorities are now under increased pressure to regulate mining activities and ensure that miners are protected from such disasters in the future.
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