In the past four days, at least four deaths have been confirmed in the Hillo mining areas of Moyale Sub-county, Marsabit County, as authorities work to combat illegal mining activities.
Moyale Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Benedict Munyoki reported that unauthorized miners numbering in the hundreds had gathered in the area, attempting to access prohibited gold mines.
Despite efforts to secure the area, some miners managed to sneak in and began excavating, resulting in four fatalities due to mine collapses.
According to Munyoki, three deaths occurred late Thursday night, with the fourth fatality reported on Monday. Additionally, one artisan miner sustained critical injuries and is hospitalized at Moyale sub-county hospital.
The government had previously banned unlicensed mining activities in 13 sites within Hillo, Dabel ward, through a gazette notice issued by Interior and National Administration CS Prof. Kithure Kindiki in March of this year. This action was taken due to concerns over state security, economic impact, and safety hazards.
The influx of hundreds of unauthorized miners from countries including Nigeria, DRC, and Somalia had led to unregulated mining operations, primarily targeting gold and chromite, which were believed to fund criminal activities. The government responded by declaring the area disturbed and implementing round-the-clock security surveillance. The recent fatalities bring the total number of lives lost at the mines this year to 17.
