Four people died tragically from suffocation in an abandoned gold mine in Ruga village, Kowidi Location, Rachuonyo South on Monday afternoon.
The miners had entered the site without oxygen-supporting equipment during an unauthorized mining expedition.
According to reports, the four men entered the mine, which had been abandoned for three years, without first informing the owner.
According to Kowidi Location Chief Lucas Juma, five miners entered the site around 11 a.m.
However, only four of them proceeded into the shaft, while the fifth man remained at the entrance.
Juma stated that the deceased ventured into the mine without any tools or oxygen-supporting equipment, relying solely on a rope to descend.
The fifth miner at the entrance noticed that the rope had stopped moving and, after calling out but receiving no response, realised something was wrong. He then raised the alarm.
Homa Bay County Police Commander Hassan Barua confirmed the incident, stating that the four miners, whose identities have yet to be determined, died within minutes of entering the mine.
He urged those interested in mining activities to always seek professional advice and ensure that safety precautions are in place.
Authorities have since retrieved the bodies and transported them to Rachuonyo South Sub-County Mortuary.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
