Residents Feared Trapped as Gold Mine Collapses in Migori

Two women are feared trapped after a gold mine collapse caused several houses and commercial structures to sink into underground mining shafts at Osiri-Matanda in Nyatike, Migori County.

The collapse occurred shortly before midnight on Friday, September 25, prompting authorities to launch a search-and-rescue operation to determine whether anyone remained underground.

Authorities subsequently suspended mining operations around the Osiri-Matanda mines pending completion of the rescue mission.

The incident has also renewed concerns about the safety of artisanal miners and residents living near the mining area.

Two Residents Feared Trapped After Gold Mine Collapse 

Migori County CEC Member Edwin Omondi confirmed that rescue teams were responding to the gold mine collapse, with two residents suspected to be trapped.

“Two residents are suspected to be trapped. Rescue teams are working tirelessly,” Omondi said.

Several residential and commercial structures sank after the ground gave way, prompting authorities to assess the damage and establish whether more people could have been caught in the collapse.

Also Read: 5 Dead as Gold Mine Collapses in Transmara, Narok County

Heavy Rains Raise Gold Mine Collapse Concerns

Meanwhile, heavy rains have heightened concerns about the stability of mine shafts, with continued rainfall increasing the risk of further collapses in mining areas.

The latest gold mine collapse has consequently renewed attention on the safety of miners and communities living near the shafts.

Artisanal miner Everlyne Otieno said some miners had ignored warnings before the disaster.

“Wengine walihama, wengine wakapuuza Ama kweli kama wangekubali kusikiza yale mwenyekiti aliyasema, hatungepatwa na haya majanga,” she said.

Also Read: Details Emerge on Moments Before Deadly Dreamline Bus Crash on Mombasa-Nairobi Highway

Court Case Delays Mining Formalisation

Separately, Migori/Homa Bay Mining Officer Simon Mganga said an ongoing court case had prevented the government from formalising artisanal mining.

“The only challenge right now as we speak has been there is an ongoing court case which has made it difficult for us to begin to formalize artisanal mining specifically. But it is an issue that is being handled at higher levels within government,” he stated.

As the search continues, authorities have kept mining activities suspended around the Osiri-Matanda mines until teams complete the mission.

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A photo collage showing the scene where a gold mine collapsed at Osiri-Matanda gold mining village on September 25, 2026. PHOTO/ Screengrab