Senator Boni Khalwale’s Nephew Feared Dead in Kakamega Gold Mine Collapse

Kakamega, Kenya — Three individuals, including a nephew of Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, are feared dead following the collapse of an unregulated gold mine in Machilisi village, Shinyalu Constituency, on Monday night. The tragedy trapped 22 miners underground, with 19 rescued so far as emergency teams race against time to recover the remaining three.  

 

Senator Khalwale, who visited the site Tuesday, condemned the exploitation of local miners by corporate investors, whom he accused of prioritizing profit over safety. He alleged that companies like Shanta Gold have clandestinely extracted gold worth an estimated Ksh1.2 billion monthly under the guise of “research,” while leaving artisanal miners vulnerable to hazardous conditions.

“For over 100 years, our people mined gold safely. Now, these investors reap billions as our youth risk their lives in unsafe pits. This must end,” Khalwale declared, demanding urgent government intervention.

 

The senator called for stricter regulations to ensure mining revenues directly benefit local communities, including landowners and youth. He urged the national government to redirect the alleged Ksh1.2 billion monthly gold proceeds to Kakamega County for infrastructure, education, and healthcare projects. “We’re not threatening anyone—we simply want our people to reap what is rightfully theirs,” he asserted.

 

The incident has reignited debates over Kenya’s mining sector, long criticized for weak oversight and inequitable resource distribution. While rescue operations continue, authorities have yet to respond to Khalwale’s allegations or address claims of corporate malpractice.

 

Local residents expressed anger over recurring accidents in the area, accusing both investors and regulators of neglect. “How many lives must we lose before someone takes responsibility?” asked a community leader, who requested anonymity.

 

As hope dwindles for the trapped miners, pressure mounts on the government to audit mining activities and enforce safety protocols. Senator Khalwale vowed to table the issue in Parliament, warning, “Silence from the state will not deter us from fighting for justice.”