Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen issued a stern warning against illegal gold mining in West Pokot County.
The CS took issue with the illegal activities in the county, which is suspected to have resulted in 15 fatalities after the collapse of a goldmine pit. He stressed that those involved will be pursued and prosecuted.
Murkomen noted the incident that occurred in the Romos and Morita areas, not only claimed lives but also left several others injured.
“Investigations are ongoing to establish whether the tragedy resulted from illegal mining activities,” said the CS.
He also warned that tough action will be taken against those found culpable.
He mourned with the families who lost their loved ones in the gold mine tragedy.
“Fifteen people lost their lives, and it is very painful,” he condoled.
“We will take firm legal action against them,” he added.
The CS said he is working closely with his counterpart in the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs CS Hassan Joho, to ensure proper regulation of mining activities.
“As a Ministry, we will work together with the Ministry of Mining to ensure that mining activities in West Pokot and across the country are organized, regulated and orderly,” he said.
The CS spoke in Sakale, West Pokot County, during a thanksgiving service at Dini ya Roho Mafuta Pole ya Africa and a fundraiser towards the development of church infrastructure.
He was accompanied by Public Works PS Joel Arumonyang, MPs Samuel Moroto (Kapenguria) and Rael Kasiwai (County), former governor John Lonyangapou, MCAs, among other leaders.
