Miners' wives seek State protection in wake of explosion

Karebe gold mine, Nandi County. [Jeckonia Otieno, Standard]

Widows of the victims of an explosion that killed three miners at the Karebe gold mine in Nandi county recently now want State protection, claiming their lives are in danger.

The widows claim that people believed to be close to the alleged suspects behind the explosion are tormenting their families in a bid to frustrate the ongoing investigations.

Led by Caroline Rotich and Sheila Agui, the widows of two victims - Geoffrey Rotich and Julius Agui - called on the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Noordin Haji, to provide them with security against those out to blackmail them with the intention of having their case resolved outside court.

"Our lives are in danger since our husbands died in an explosion last month. We have been receiving threats from a group of people trying to compromise the ongoing investigation of the tragic deaths of our loved ones," stated Mrs Rotich.

The widows claimed some unknown people have been going round asking them to accept their offer so that they call for a review of investigations in favour of the suspects.

Their husbands died in the tragic incident while going about their mining activities three weeks ago.

It is alleged that the suspects invaded the mining tunnel and planted explosives that killed three Karebe Gold Mining Company employees, and left six others with minor injuries.

Chemelil MCA, Martin Douglas, said they would not give in to demands from 'powerful forces' in the government to have an inquest opened over the murder of the three workers, but instead push for the suspects to be charged in court.

County Police Commander Joseph Kavoo assured the families that justice will prevail as the police are about to conclude their investigations.