Call for improved safety as mine collapses, kills three

The death of three artisanal miners in Rera village, Gem Wagai subcounty in Siaya county on Sunday has sparked renewed calls for reforms in the mining sector. Stephen Odhiambo (24), Musa (30) and Ja Migori (45) died when a gold mineshaft collapsed at 4 am.

George Ogada, who lost his son Odhiambo, and Richard Ombima, who lost his brother-in-law Musa, said they received calls from Rera mining site informing them of the tragedy.

They said unemployment is driving young men to mine in unsafe conditions. Widows Elizabeth Achieng and Jemila Awuor also appealed for government support to help care for the orphans left behind.

Recently, Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo called for urgent engagement with Mining CS Hassan Joho to establish a structured approach to mining.

“We will be engaging the CS for Mining so we have a structured approach of how mines are done,” he said.

Governor James Orengo said the national and county governments, along with investors and miners, must collaborate to ensure safety of miners.

He, however, faulted the government for not implementing policies aimed at uplifting lives of miners. The governor said the constitution is explicit on the economic benefits the artisanal miners should get from their sweat.

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo said losing the lives of young people in the minefields is unfortunate.

“In Rarieda, we’re losing young people in a similar event and it’s time the government stopped this by ensuring safety is upheld,” he said.