Murkomen Issues Warning After West Pokot Gold Mine Claims 15 Lives

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has strongly condemned illegal gold mining operations in West Pokot County.
The Cabinet Secretary expressed serious concern about the unauthorized activities in the region, which are believed to have caused 15 deaths following the collapse of a mining shaft, vowing that perpetrators will face legal consequences.
Mr. Murkomen highlighted that the incident, which took place in the Romos and Morita areas, resulted in not only fatalities but also left numerous individuals injured.
“Ongoing investigations aim to determine if the tragedy stemmed from unlawful mining practices, and we will implement stringent measures against anyone found responsible,” stated the CS.
He expressed condolences to the families affected by the mining disaster.
“Fifteen individuals perished, which is deeply sorrowful,” he lamented.
He further emphasized, “We will pursue decisive legal action against those responsible.”
The Cabinet Secretary mentioned he is collaborating with his counterpart at the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, CS Hassan Joho, to establish proper oversight of mining activities.
“Our ministry will join forces with the Ministry of Mining to ensure that mining operations in West Pokot and throughout the nation are conducted in an organized, regulated, and orderly manner,” he explained.
The Cabinet Secretary made these remarks in Sakale, West Pokot County, during a thanksgiving ceremony at Dini ya Roho Mafuta Pole ya Africa and a fundraising event for church infrastructure development.
Present with him were Public Works Principal Secretary Joel Arumonyang, MPs Samuel Moroto (Kapenguria) and Rael Kasiwai (County), former governor John Lonyangapou, MCAs, and other leaders.