This archive report was first published on 10 October 2019.
On Thursday, a heavy downpour led to a mine cave-in at Nango in Bondo Sub-County, claiming the lives of three students.
The victims were identified as Nicholas Arwa, a KCSE candidate at Uyawi Secondary School, David Ochieng Duro, an Egerton University student from South Nyanza, and Kevin Ochieng' Juma, a secondary school student.
According to Nicholas Arwa's father, Titus Ogonji, his son had returned home on Wednesday, promising to go back to school the following day. However, Ogonji received the news of his son's death at around 3 am.
Arwa's cousin, Oscar Nge'no, described him as humble and hardworking, adding that he had spoken to him less than two weeks ago.
The area police boss, Anthony Wafula, confirmed that the bodies had been retrieved and taken to Bondo Sub-County Hospital mortuary. Wafula also stated that investigations into the incident had been launched.
Following the tragedy, Wafula announced that all mines in the area would be closed until safety measures were adhered to, citing a recent government directive stopping illegal mining activities at the Nango site due to safety reasons.
