- The incident happened when a wall built to prevent the mine against flooding and illegal incursion was blasted by illegal miners.
- Survivors told police there were two groups in different tunnels, targeting the same rock for the deposits and both were using the explosives for excavation.
A mining firm has protested non-action from the government over illegal mining activities in field.
This comes in the wake of the death of three miners at the Karebe Gold Mining complex near Kibigori, Nandi county on Monday.
The firm in a statement said the miners were killed instantly when a wall built to prevent the mine against flooding and illegal incursion was blasted by illegal miners.
“Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased, who were hard-working, loyal employees of our company,” they said.
“They will be greatly missed and we pledge our support and deepest sympathies to their families and those they have left behind. The company will stand with our staff during this tragic time. We assure them of our unwavering support.”
The firm said their sorrow is compounded by deep frustration that their calls to address the danger posed by illegal miners operating in their area have not been answered by the relevant authorities, despite court orders prohibiting mining activities within the disputed area.
“Since January 2021 we have been urging the government to address the illegal mining incursion on our licence area,” the statement read.
“Karebe has sent numerous letters to the relevant senior government officials and law enforcement authorities, warning them of the threat to the safety and wellbeing of our staff and company, posed by illegal mining activity.”
The firm said they also expressed their fears in face-to-face meetings with the county security committee on January 19.
In the meeting, Karebe raised grave concerns about ongoing illegal mining activities, especially the potential dangers caused by illegal blasting.
“We are struggling to control clashes that have broken out between members of our local community and individuals engaged in illegal mining,” the firm said.
“We call on the authorities to bring the persons responsible for this brutal crime - including those who have ignored our warnings for so long - to justice. This is the saddest day in our company’s history and we pray to God for strength at this time, especially for the grieving families.”
On Monday, a government official visited Karebe, met with the illegal miners and instructed them to cease action.
This was in reaction to an incident in which three miners were killed at Karebe Gold Mines on Monday.
The incident also left six other people with serious injuries.
Police were informed of a loud blast from the gold mine site with the miners still inside the tunnel.
There are gold fields in the area and many villagers flock there to eke a living.
Many of them are classified illegal and residents claimed the incident was the first one to happen there.
According to police, the miners used explosives to demolish a huge rock therein leading to the deaths and injuries.
Survivors told police there were two groups in different tunnels, targeting the same rock for the deposits and both were using the explosives for excavation.
Rescue teams were sent to the area and retrieved the three bodies and six others who had serious injuries.
Police said those injured were admitted to the Nandi Hills Subcounty hospital in critical condition.
Rift Valley police boss Tom Odero said experts had been sent to the scene to assess its safety for further action.
“We are working with the county government to ensure safety of residents. If the experts say it is an unsafe, we will see what to do,” he said.