Two miners die after quarry shaft collapses in Homa Bay

Two miners perished on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, after a quarry shaft collapsed on top of them in Kowidi Location, Rachuonyo South Sub-County, Homa Bay County. The incident unfolded around 7am when a group of miners entered the shaft. Walls of the shaft gave way, collapsing around noon and trapping two miners. Identified as 35-year-old Samwel Omondi and James Raila, the injured men were swiftly transported to Rachuonyo County Hospital for treatment.

Alas, both succumbed to their injuries during treatment. Police personnel visited the scene following the mishap. A post-mortem examination revealed Omondi had sustained neck injuries with blood seeping from his nose, while Raila had broken ribs on his right side. The bodies were then transferred to Rachuonyo Sub-County Hospital mortuary for preservation while awaiting autopsy.

Authorities will investigate the circumstances surrounding the shaft collapse, including safety conditions at the quarry. The peril of mining deaths has been escalating, with calls for safety measures to curb the tragic trend. As per police reports, at least three individuals die weekly at various mining sites across the country.

Simultaneously, the body of Collins Mwiti, who reportedly drowned in River Thingithu in Meru County, was recovered. His body was found on Tuesday evening, September 8, 2026, nearly a day after he was missing. Police confirmed the discovery and removed the body to Kanyakine Sub-County Hospital mortuary for preservation pending an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Other news includes the discovery of a Tanzanian watchman, Joseph Yoana, dead at a kiosk in Bondeni village, Kitui County. Police arrived to find blood seeping from Yoana’s mouth and nose, but found no visible injuries. His phone was discovered charging at a kiosk, and an autopsy is expected to reveal the cause of his death.