Three people were killed and scores more were injured when an illegal gold mine in Isiolo County collapsed.
The over 20-foot-deep makeshift mine in Kom Location Merti Sub County collapsed, trapping several miners. The three fatalities were confirmed by Isiolo County Commissioner George Omoding, who also noted that rescue teams from the Kenyan and British Forces were assisting local teams on the scene. As soon as word of the tragedy emerged, the officers from the Kenyan and British forces who are currently conducting a joint jungle military exercise at Lalesoro, Archers Post in Samburu County offered help at the scene.
We don’t yet know how many individuals were trapped inside, but the army is helping us. “Three people have been hauled out of the mine and have been pronounced dead at the spot,” he said.
In mid-2020, during the height of COVID-19, all highways from Kenya and the broader East Africa Community (EAC) were leading to the once-deserted Kom, Sabarwawa and Quro Bisanowo after a herder stumbled on gold. Many people have been killed and thousands of animals have been stolen in the triangle that separates Samburu and Marsabit counties, with the most recent incidence being recorded yesterday.
Natural springs and pastures are abundant in the area. According to a National Drought Management Authority assessment, it has drawn rival ranchers from the three counties over the years who frequently engaged in conflict (NDMA). But, the abandoned Town eventually came to life once gold reserves were found, and it is today considered the second busiest center after the county seat of Isiolo Town.