A tragic mining accident in Homa Bay County on Monday, February 10, 2025, claimed the lives of four miners who were trapped in an abandoned gold mine in Ruga village, Rachuonyo South.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to Kowidi Location Chief Lucas Juma, five miners entered the abandoned gold mine, which had been unused for three years, without informing local authorities.
- Four of the miners descended into the deep shaft to explore for gold, while a fifth remained on the surface as a lookout.
- Lacking proper oxygen-supporting equipment, the miners soon suffocated due to oxygen depletion inside the mine.
- The fifth miner became suspicious when the rope used for descent stopped moving and raised the alarm.
Rescue and Police Confirmation
Homa Bay County Police Commander Hassan Barua confirmed the tragic deaths, stating that the four miners likely suffocated within minutes due to poor ventilation.
Their bodies were retrieved and transferred to the Rachuonyo South Sub-County Mortuary as investigations continue.
Illegal Mining and Recurring Tragedies
This incident highlights the growing risks associated with illegal mining, as unregulated activities continue to endanger lives in gold-rich regions across Kenya.
Just a week ago, a similar mining tragedy occurred in Shinyalu, Kakamega County, where:
✔️ A mine collapsed, trapping 22 miners.
✔️ Three died, including a nephew of Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale.
✔️ Eight were rescued with minor injuries, thanks to efforts by villagers and the Kenya Red Cross.
Need for Stricter Safety Regulations
The recurring mining accidents in Homa Bay, Kakamega, and Migori call for:
✔️ Tighter enforcement of mining regulations to prevent illegal operations.
✔️ Increased safety inspections in abandoned mines.
✔️ Better awareness and training for small-scale miners on safe mining practices.
As authorities continue investigations, families mourn yet another avoidable mining disaster in Kenya’s informal gold mining sector.
