On Monday afternoon, four individuals tragically suffocated in an abandoned gold mine located in Ruga village, Kowidi Location, Rachuonyo South.
During an unauthorized mining expedition, the miners entered the site without oxygen-supporting equipment.
Reports indicate that the four men entered the mine, which had been out of use for three years, without notifying the owner in advance.
As per the statement of Lucas Juma, the chief of Kowidi Location, five miners arrived at the site at approximately 11 a.m.
Only four of them entered the shaft, while the fifth man stayed at the entrance.
According to Juma, the deceased entered the mine without tools or oxygen-supporting gear, relying only on a rope for descent.
The fifth miner at the entrance saw that the rope had ceased to move. After calling out and getting no answer, he understood that something was amiss. Then he raised the alarm.
The incident was confirmed by Homa Bay County Police Commander Hassan Barua, who stated that the four miners, whose identities are still unknown, died within minutes of entering the mine.
He called on those interested in mining activities to always seek professional guidance and ensure that safety measures are implemented.
The authorities have since collected the corpses and conveyed them to the mortuary in Rachuonyo South Sub-County.
IInvestigatios are ongoing.
