Chinese manager arrested after miner dies in explosion at gold mine site in Migori

A miner was killed after an explosion went off at a gold mining site in Masara, Migori County.

The incident happened on Saturday September 27, 2025 after an explosion set off intentionally went off in a tunnel.

A Chinese manager at the site set off the explosion to excavate gold. By then, all miners had left the tunnel.

Police and witnesses said after the explosion went off, one Charles Okongo, 28 rushed into the tunnel with an aim of collecting gold sand.

It was then he suffocated therein and was discovered by other miners who had followed him minutes later.

He was rescued and rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Locals later invaded the site and vandalized property in reaction to the incident.

They accused the management of destroying property by using the explosives.

A Chinese national identified as Xia Guangjun was rescued from the site as a mob bayed for his blood.

Police said he was arrested pending investigations into the incident. The site is managed by Shengxin Mining Company Limited.

The Chinese was accused of detonating an unauthorized explosive at the gold mine.

Such deaths at gold mining sites have been on the rise amid efforts to address the trend.

Most miners lack protective equipment to enhance their work.

Officials have been running a campaign to address the menace which is rampant in Migori, Kakamega, Siaya and West Pokot Counties.