Another mining disaster has rocked West Pokot, with several people feared buried alive after the collapse of a shaft at the Kambi Karaya gold mine.
Rescue teams are currently battling against time in a desperate search for survivors. So far, one death has been confirmed, but the exact number of people trapped remains unknown, heightening tension and fear among families and local communities.
This heartbreaking incident comes barely a week after six lives were lost in a similar tragedy at a goldmine in Turkwel, located in the same county.
The back-to-back accidents have now sparked fresh outrage and concern over the rampant rise in illegal and unregulated mining operations in the region, operations that continue to flourish despite the obvious dangers they pose to local miners.
Authorities are yet to issue a comprehensive statement, but locals are demanding urgent intervention and tighter regulations to prevent further loss of life.
As families wait anxiously at the site, the painful question remains: how many more lives must be lost before action is taken?
