Dj Vnyash
Six people lost their lives, and several others were seriously injured when a gold mine collapsed in Marsabit County. The incident occurred in the Hillo Dabel area, with local chief Ibrahim Dube confirming that rescue operations were underway to free those trapped under the rubble.
The tragedy took place on Monday evening when several miners entered the Dabel site despite it being sealed off by the government. This accident adds to a growing pattern in Marsabit County, as it follows the deaths of five illegal miners earlier this year in the Hillo Gold minefield.
Gold mining remains a major economic activity in Marsabit, despite the government designating certain areas as high-risk zones. In March, the government issued a gazette notice shutting down the Dabel mines, including the well-known General Hillo Gold Mine, due to severe insecurity from factional conflicts over control of the mineral-rich land. These clashes had resulted in 11 deaths and concerns over land degradation and illegal mining, which caused significant revenue loss.
Although the Mining Police Unit was deployed to enforce the closure, illegal miners continued to infiltrate the area. Now, months after the ban, the government is in talks with stakeholders to develop a plan for reopening the mines. Marsabit Deputy Governor Solomon Gubo has also expressed his intention to revitalize the Dabel region to ensure its safety for local residents.
Silverio Omari
