Naduat, Turkana North – 19th November 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

The National and County governments in Turkana have stepped up rescue operations at the Naduat gold mines in Lomeguro village, Turkana North, where a mine collapse has claimed three lives.

A high-level delegation, led by Turkana County Commissioner Julius Kavita and County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Tourism, Culture, Natural Resources, and Climate Change Audan Leah Lokala, visited the site to assess the situation and offer support to the affected community.

During a meeting with local residents, the leaders conveyed condolences on behalf of Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai and urged artisanal miners to prioritize safety in their daily activities.

Eyewitnesses reported that the mine shaft caved in unexpectedly while six miners were at work. Two individuals managed to escape with minor injuries, raising the alarm for rescue efforts.

Rescuers have since recovered three individuals: one succumbed to injuries at the hospital, while two bodies remain trapped in the rubble.

On Tuesday morning, a joint rescue team comprising medics, Kenya Red Cross volunteers, and County Government personnel successfully freed another miner, whose arm had been trapped.

The survivor was stabilized and transported to Lodwar County Referral Hospital for further treatment.

In his speech, Commissioner Kavita announced that relief food distribution would commence Wednesday as part of the emergency response.

He also emphasized the need for artisanal miners to adhere to safety protocols, warning of legal consequences for non-compliance.

“For the period that the two bodies are still trapped in the mines, I hereby declare the specific mining gorge off-limits except for authorized rescue personnel,” Kavita stated.

CECM Audan Leah Lokala echoed this directive, urging miners to remain calm as rescue efforts continue.

She revealed that the County Government plans to map all mining sites in Turkana and implement safety guidelines to prevent future tragedies.

Kephas Achiro, the lead coordinator for medical emergencies at the site, confirmed that the rescued miner was stabilized promptly, highlighting the efficiency of the response team.

Chief Officer for Administration and Disaster Risk Management David Maraka, Chief Officer for Energy and Mineral Resources Triza Amoni, and the Deputy County Commissioner for Turkana West were also present to oversee the operations.