Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has issued a statement following a mine collapse in Shinyalu, Kakamega County.
In an update on X on Tuesday, February 4, Mudavadi said some miners are still trapped underground and called on rescue teams to bring those still trapped to safety.
"The news of at least 12 miners trapped in a gold mine in Shinyalu, Kakamega is deeply distressing. I call upon the rescue teams to exhaust every possible effort to bring those still underground to safety.
"While it’s a relief to hear that eight miners have been successfully rescued, my thoughts remain with those still in danger and their families," he said in his statement.
Mudavadi also took the opportunity to address the mining community, urging greater focus on safety measures in the industry.
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"To all miners, I urge you to prioritize safety and exercise utmost caution in your operations. Your lives are invaluable, and no measure is too great when it comes to ensuring your well-being," he stated.
The mine’s structure collapsed on Monday, February 3 evening trapping at least 20 miners who were at the site.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Kenya Red Cross said a multi-agency team was on the ground conducting rescue operations on miners still trapped in the gold mine.
“Update as of 0942Hrs: 12 people have been rescued. A multi-agency team, including the Kenya Red Cross, EMS Kenya, the County Disaster Team, local community members, and the Kenya Police, is on the ground leading rescue operations,” the statement read.
Shinyalu Sub-County Police Commander Daniel Makumbu has said the search and rescue operation would continue until all the missing miners are accounted for.
The chairperson of the Western Regional Rescue Team Patrick Mukhule on his part said the miners who were rescued on Monday night were not injured.
“The accident happened at about 6 pm on Monday and rescue operations started immediately. We managed to rescue eight people who were not affected in any way,” he stated.
