West Pokot Gold Mine Death Toll Rises To 15
News Updated: 08 May 2026 14:30 EAT
Rescue efforts are underway following a deadly rockfall at Morita Gold Mine in West Pokot
The death toll following the collapse of the Romos gold mine in West Pokot County has risen to 15, according to rescue teams involved in the operation. Reports indicate that 10 of the victims are women who were working at the artisanal mining site.
The tragic incident occurred after a section of the gold mine caved in while dozens of miners were inside searching for gold. The collapse triggered panic among residents and fellow miners in the area.
The Kenya Red Cross confirmed that at least six people have been rescued alive from the debris and rushed to nearby health facilities for treatment. Some survivors are reported to be in critical condition.
Emergency response teams, including officers from the National Police Service, Kenya Defence Forces and local volunteers, have been conducting round-the-clock rescue operations at the site.
Witnesses said the mine suddenly collapsed after heavy excavation weakened the underground shafts. Residents reported hearing loud screams moments before the ground caved in.
Authorities fear more people could still be trapped beneath the rubble as rescue efforts continue. Excavators and manual digging teams have been deployed to search for survivors.
West Pokot County officials said many of the miners involved in the operation were carrying out informal and unregulated gold mining activities in the area. The region has witnessed repeated mine collapses in recent months.
The government has previously warned residents against engaging in unsafe artisanal mining without proper safety measures. Officials say most of the mining pits lack structural support and protective equipment.
The latest tragedy comes barely weeks after another deadly mine collapse in other parts of West Pokot claimed several lives, raising fresh concerns over safety standards in the mining sector.
County Commissioner Khalif Abdullahi earlier announced plans to close hundreds of illegal mining sites across West Pokot following the increasing number of fatal accidents.
Families of the victims gathered near the mining site as rescue teams continued retrieval operations. Emotional scenes were witnessed as relatives waited for news about their loved ones.
Health officials and humanitarian agencies have also been dispatched to assist survivors and affected families with emergency medical care and counselling services.
The disaster has once again exposed the dangers facing artisanal miners in Kenya, with leaders and safety experts now calling for stricter regulation, improved oversight and safer mining practices to prevent further loss of lives.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD