Two men were killed in an illegal iron ore mine in Kauma location, Kilifi County.
The two died when the quarry collapsed, killing one on the spot while the other died at the Kilifi County Referral Hospital.
Area chief Sebastan Karisa said the victims were accompanied by a colleague, Kitsao Kenga Kanuru who survived.
He said the three had been working on the site for about three weeks before the tragedy.
Ms Sidi Kalama who lost his brother said it occurred at around 9am when they were in the tunnel trying to explore iron ore deposits. The bodies were moved to the Kilifi County Hospital Mortuary.
READ MORE
How 'genius' chimps are changing lives of gold miners in Senegal
Firm accuses police of inaction in Malindi land dispute
Kenya's mining sector faces litmus test on social welfare as investors get jittery
Doctors' warning: Tree-hugging protest risks one's lives or health