Two miners killed in gold mining tunnel in Transmara

FILE IMAGE OF POLICE LINE

Two miners were killed in an incident at a gold mining site in Lolgorian, Transmara, Narok County.

Police and witnesses said the two miners had ventured into a tunnel for gold deposits on February 12, 2026 evening when part of it collapsed and trapped them fatally.

According to the police, Washington Omondi, 27 and Fred Kisaka, 25 had ventured into the tunnel of an abandoned site when it collapsed.

The bodies were later retrieved and moved to the local mortuary pending an autopsy.

These are the latest deaths to happen at gold mining sites amid calls for action to address the menace.

Tens of miners are killed in such horrible circumstances, officials said, adding they were working on measures to ensure the safety of the groups.

Such incidents have happened in Kakamega, Migori, West Pokot and Nandi where there are gold mining activities.

There is a police squad that has been formed to crack down on the gold mining activities. There is however resistance from cartels in the industry.

Meanwhile, nine people were Thursday killed in separate road accidents in the country.

Police said among the killed were five riders, three pedestrians and a passenger.

At least 13 others were left with serious injuries in the incidents and included six riders, four pedestrians, two pillion passengers and a passenger. The injured were rushed to separate hospitals.

There has been a rise in fatal accidents in the country amid a campaign to address the menace.

More than 300 people have been killed in the past month alone in the accidents that were reported, police said.

Officials say reckless overtaking, speeding, and drunk driving remain among the leading causes of road accidents across the country, continuing to claim lives despite sustained public safety campaigns by National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

Mechanical failures from poorly maintained vehicles, including worn tyres and faulty brakes, have also been identified as significant contributors to the growing number of crashes. In addition to driver negligence, poor road conditions—such as potholes, confusing signage, and inadequate lighting—make travel increasingly hazardous, particularly at night.

There are efforts being made to address the menace.