MIGORI, Kenya — Two artisanal miners aged 18 and 20 have died after being suffocated by toxic gases inside a mining shaft at Masara Gold Mine in Suna West Sub-county, Migori County.
Suna West Sub-county Police Commander Chrispine Ogutu said the two young men accessed the underground shaft on Thursday but were later found dead by fellow miners.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the miners entered the shaft while it still contained toxic gases generated during rock blasting operations carried out on Tuesday.
“The gases produced during blasting can remain trapped underground for several days,” Ogutu said. “When inhaled in confined spaces, they are extremely dangerous and can cause suffocation.”
Police said the deceased had been warned to stay away from the mine for a specified period to allow the fumes to dissipate.
However, they allegedly ignored the safety advisory and gained access to the shaft before it was declared safe.
The bodies were retrieved from the mine and taken to Migori Referral Hospital mortuary, where they are being preserved pending post-mortem examinations.
Ogutu urged artisanal miners in the area to exercise extreme caution and strictly follow safety guidelines to prevent similar tragedies.
“This is a painful reminder that ignoring safety instructions in mining can be fatal,” he said.
Migori County is one of Kenya’s leading gold-producing regions, with thousands of residents depending on artisanal and small-scale mining for their livelihoods.
Under the Mining Act, 2016, all mining operations — including artisanal mining — must comply with occupational health and safety standards.
The law places responsibility on mine operators and permit holders to ensure safe working conditions and to prevent exposure to hazardous substances.
Article 42 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, further guarantees every person the right to a clean and healthy environment, while Article 69 obligates the State to ensure sustainable exploitation and management of natural resources.
Mining safety experts have repeatedly warned that toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, commonly released during blasting, pose a major risk in underground shafts if proper ventilation and waiting periods are not observed.
Authorities say enforcement remains a challenge due to illegal access to mine sites and pressure on young people to seek quick income amid high unemployment.
Police said investigations are ongoing to establish whether there was negligence, illegal access, or failure to secure the shaft after blasting operations.
