Tragedy in West Pokot: Four Dead, Miners Trapped After Gold Mine Collapses in Kambi Karaya
A dark cloud hangs over West Pokot County after a gold mine collapsed in Kambi Karaya, killing four people, including a 14-year-old. The Thursday afternoon tragedy has left several miners feared trapped underground, sparking panic and grief across the region.
“We Heard Screams”—Locals Join Rescue Efforts
The collapse occurred while artisanal miners were working deep inside the pit. Emergency teams rushed to the scene, but locals were the first to respond.
“We heard screams and saw dust rising,” said a resident. “We ran to help, but the ground kept sinking,” he added.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with hopes fading as hours pass.
“This Is the Second Time”—Kambi Karaya Faces Repeated Disasters
Shockingly, this is not the first time tragedy has struck the area. In June, another mine collapsed at the same site, killing one and burying several others.
“We warned them after the June incident,” said a local elder. “But they returned, hoping for gold,” he added.
Just days before that, four people died in Turkwel, also in West Pokot, after a mine caved in at 3:00am.
“They Used Picks and Hoes”—Miners Ignored Safety Warnings
Reports indicate that the miners returned to the site at night, unaware of the danger. Excavators had dug the pit earlier, loosening the soil.
“They used picks and hoes, not knowing the ground was unstable,” said a rescue worker.
The lack of safety measures has raised serious concerns.
“Illegal Mining Is Rampant”—Commissioner Blames Leaders
West Pokot County Commissioner Khalif Abdullahi condemned the illegal mining activities. He blamed local leaders for inciting resistance against police rescue efforts.
“Illegal mining is rampant here,” Abdullahi said. “Leaders must stop misleading the youth,” he added.
Despite repeated warnings, mining continues without regulation or caution.
“Lives Are Being Lost”—Calls for Urgent Government Action
“We can’t keep burying our children,” a grieving mother cried. “We need help before more lives are lost,” she pleaded.
The tragedy has reignited debate on artisanal mining and the urgent need for reform.
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Tragedy in West Pokot: Four Dead, Miners Trapped After Gold Mine Collapses in Kambi Karaya
