The Inspector General of the National Police Service Douglas Kanja on Wednesday led a security joint operation in Marsabit County to assess the security situation within Hillo goldmines which claimed the lives of 6 people.
The IG trooped off to the goldmine to establish how and why the victims were conducting activities on the goldmine that had been closed and was under police security.
The tragic incident took place in the Hillo Dabel on Monday, December 9, where ten other illegal miners sustained serious injuries.
It was reported that mining had been suspended from the site by the government over security and safety concerns.
Images of a gold mine in Marsabit County. PHOTO/ Courtesy.
According to the Mining Police Unit which were guarding the goldmine, the victims had snuck into the illegal goldmine to engage in mining activities secretly.
Unfortunately, as they were secretly engaged in the illegal mining, the tunnel they were in caved in killing six on the spot.
Following the incident, an emergency team launched operations to rescue other miners who had been trapped under the rabble.
Ten miners who sustained serious injuries were rushed to Moyale Hospital for specialized medication.
It is reported that illegal mining had been going on at the site despite the government’s ban. Residents had raised complaints about the illegal mining by individuals who reportedly were sponsored by ff9cal in the government.
Gold mining in Marsabit County has in the recent past emerged as a lucrative economic activity despite the government flagging several areas as extremely high risk for safety reasons.
Earlier in March, the government had issued a gazette notice to shut down the Dabel mines including the popular General Hillo Gold Mine over security concerns.
The government cited rampant insecurity as one of the main reasons for the ban as different factions of the community battled for control over the gold-laden mines in the area. Previously the wrangles resulted in the death of 11 people.
The government has, however, initiated discussions with all stakeholders to chart a framework for the reopening of the mines with proper licenses to conduct the activities.
An aerial view of a gold mine in Marsabit. PHOTO/ Courtesy.