Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo has blamed the government for the death of seven gold miners after an area gold mine caved in, killing them on the spot and leaving four others critically ill
Otiende has decried the government tone deafness of the state on his constant urge to monitor & regulate the artisanal mining for safety.
”It is with much sadness that we announce the demise of seven of our people in Lumba gold mines this morning. We have constantly urged government to monitor & regulate these artisanal mining for safety!.”
Amolo expressed his deep condolences to the affected families while urging the national government to swing in action and institute safety checks.
”Such Wanton Loss Of Life Again! Condolences To The Families.” He stated.
Siaya County police boss Cleti Kimaiyo, who confirmed the incident said those who escaped were rushed to Bondo hospital for medical attention.
Area Member of County Assembly Gordon Onguru who was among the first people at the scene linked the tragedy to weak mine walls occasioned by the use of explosives to crack the stones in the mines around the region.
Rarieda Sub County Deputy County Commissioner Kennedy Lunalo said the miners went against directives that had outlawed mining in the region following heavy rains.
Lunalo said that it has been a challenge for the administration to ensure that the directive to cease mining is adhered to since most homesteads in the area have their own mining shafts.
He however said that they will continue cautioning artisanal miners in the area to stay away from the dangerous mines to avoid similar tragedies in future.
“We intend to traverse the sub county to warn our artisanal miners that the mines are dangerous. There was a similar incident a few months ago where we lost two lives not very far from today’s incident. We have to act to stop the loss of lives,” Lunalo said.