Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has visited families affected by the tragic gold mine collapse in West Pokot County, which left atleast fifteen people dead.

In a statement on his official X account on Monday, May 11, 2026, Murkomen announced that the government will cover burial and funeral expenses for bereaved families.

We continue to stand in solidarity with all the families affected by the tragic gold mine collapse in West Pokot County.

As the search and rescue operations conclude, Murkomen said that the government is sending humanitarian support, including medical assistance, food supplies and other essential items, to support the affected community.

“We will also foot the medical bills of those injured, cover burial and funeral expenses for bereaved families, and support the affected households to rebuild their livelihoods,” he stated.

At the same time, Murkomen called on artisanal miners across the country to adhere to safety guidelines as the Government streamlines the sector.

“I call upon artisanal miners across the country to adhere to safety guidelines as the Government streamlines the sector to enhance safety and protect lives,” Murkomen said.

“In Morita, West Pokot County, we condoled with families who lost their loved ones following the tragic collapse of a gold mine and assessed the state of security and service delivery in the area,” Murkomen stated.

“We are consolidating the gains we have made in restoring peace and security in the county and the larger Kerio Valley by opening up the region, supporting alternative livelihoods and bringing government services closer to locals,” he added.

Gold mine tragedy

The death toll following the collapse of the gold mine at Rumos Hills in West Pokot County rose to 15 as of Friday, May 8, 2026, among them were 10 women.

According to the Kenya Red Cross, at least six people have so far been rescued alive and rushed to the hospital for treatment, while fears remain that more miners could still be trapped underground.

The victims were reportedly buried alive after a huge stone fell onto the section where they were carrying out informal gold mining activities before the mine collapsed.