Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has raised concerns over illegal and unregulated mining activities in West Pokot County following a deadly mine collapse in the Romos area of Kacheliba Constituency.

The collapse occurred at an informal gold mining site in Romos Hills on Thursday evening, trapping miners underground after the shaft caved in.

Rescue operations involving security officers, residents and humanitarian teams continued on Friday as authorities searched for survivors and recovered bodies from the site.

Mine collapse

The incident happened at a makeshift mining shaft where artisanal miners had been working when the ground collapsed. Emergency response teams, including the Kenya Red Cross, were deployed to the area to assist in rescue and recovery efforts.

“So far, 11 casualties have been reported, including 3 critically injured individuals referred to Kapenguria Referral Hospital,” the Kenya Red Cross stated during the operation.

Local residents indicated that dozens of miners may have been inside the shaft at the time of the collapse. Several survivors were rescued and taken to nearby health facilities as authorities suspended mining activities in the area.

Unregulated mining

Addressing the incident, Murkomen linked the tragedy to the dangers posed by unregulated mining operations. “We celebrate the return of peace and security in West Pokot County, and we are making deliberate and targeted efforts to sustain the gains,” he said.

The Interior CS commended residents who had surrendered illegal firearms and leaders supporting peacebuilding efforts in the region.

“Despite these gains, illegal and unregulated mining activities still pose security and safety threats, with the latest tragedy claiming lives and causing injuries in the Romos and Morita areas,” Murkomen added.

He said the government would work with the Ministry of Mining and county authorities to restore order and regulate mining activities in the affected areas.

Safety measures

Murkomen urged residents involved in mining activities to adhere to safety standards to prevent further loss of life.

He also expressed condolences to families affected by the tragedy and wished injured survivors quick recovery.

The CS later attended a thanksgiving service and fundraiser at Dini ya Roho Mafuta Pole ya Africa church in Sakale, West Pokot County, where he praised religious institutions for supporting peace and community development initiatives.

The mine collapse has renewed calls for tighter oversight of artisanal mining operations in West Pokot, with residents urging authorities to introduce proper licensing, safety training and enforcement measures to protect miners working in informal sites.

Murkomen has also commended local administrators, security agencies, and community elders in West Pokot County for their coordinated efforts to restore calm, noting that sustained collaboration between residents and the government remains key to permanently ending banditry and the circulation of illegal firearmsin the region.