Five people have died while 8 others are nursing injuries at Shibwe hospital in Ikolomani following the collapse of a gold mine Wednesday evening.
The tragic accident occured at Bushiangala village in Ikolomani Sub County, three among those in the goldmine escaping without injuries.
Speaking at the site, Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya asked the miners to scale down their activities due to the heavy rainfall pounding the area.
“I condole with the families of those who died. I am informed that four of them were from Migori County and one from Kakamega,” said Governor Oparanya.
He said it is unfortunate the five died while on a mission to earn a living from the mines.
He asked Cabinet Secretary for Petroleum and Mining Hon John Munyes to facilitate the Mining Committee to meet and discuss how to streamline and regulate mining in the County.
“Since the committee was formed three years ago, nothing has happened and I urge the CS to move with speed to ensure the Committee serves its purpose,” he said.
Deputy Governor H.E Prof Philip Kutima said there is need to regulate mining in the County to ensure the mines are safe for miners given that over 80, 000 people from the region directly depend on it for survival.
His sentiments were echoed by Ikolomani MP Hon Benard Shinali who fears for the banning of mining in the County saying it will adversely affect people who depend on it for a living.
Jacob Mutua, inspector of mines confirmed that 16 people were in the mines when the accident happened Wednesday at 4pm.
“Five people died inside the mines, eight people suffered injuries and three people escaped with no injuries,” said Mutua.