Two miners die in mining site in Migori 

FILE IMAGE OF A POLICE LINE

At least two miners were found dead after they suffocated in a gold mine site in Masara area, Suna, Migori County.

The two had ventured into the site when they suffocated and died on February 5, 2026, police and witnesses said.

According to the police and other miners, the two identified as Ina Okuku, 22 and Vincent Owuor had ventured into a tunnel to dig for gold deposits when the incident happened.

They died in the tunnel before other miners ventured there and retrieved the bodies.

The bodies were later moved to the mortuary pending an autopsy and other procedures.

Officials from the local county government, police and the National Environment Management Authority said they are investigating the incidents.

Such deaths are common at gold mining sites amid calls on authorities to take action and protect those venturing there.

The incidents usually happen at separate places including Migori, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Vihiga, Nandi, West Pokot, Marsabit and Trans Mara where there are gold deposits. The deposits have attracted locals who venture there for a living oblivious of the dangers posed by their activities.

A special police unit was formed to help in ensuring compliance in the sector but it has been fought by cartels controlling the business, insiders say.

Meanwhile, police in Uriri, Migori County are investigating an incident where a woman died in unclear circumstances. The woman identified as Fielder Achieng, 29 died at a local hospital after she had been engaged in a physical confrontation with her husband. The husband who was later arrested claimed the woman was sick which led to her death.

Police said they would know the cause of death through a planned autopsy. The body was moved to a local mortuary for the autopsy and other procedures, police said.

Such murder incidents at homes have been on the rise amid efforts to solve them. Police say investigations have linked the trend to land disputes, domestic differences also linked to among others money and love triangles.