The family of Tom Okwach, a miner who is still trapped in a gold mine that collapsed in Abimbo area of Siaya County, have been keeping vigil with the hope that their kin will be evacuated alive.
The ordeal has taken a huge toll on the family with Okwach's father, Martin Shikuku, now saying he wants his son dead or alive.
Okwach and nine other miners were trapped after the gold mine caved in and buried them alive on December 2, 2021. Eight of the miners were rescued alive while one succumbed to his injuries.
Shikuku stated that the national and county governments had been of little help in rescuing his son.
"The emotional torture is unbearable. I just need closure to stop this pain I'm undergoing as I wait for news from the rescuers," Shikuku told the Nation.
On the other hand, rescuers stated that the bulldozers were no longer in use after they run out of fuel and urged the government to provide food to the rescue teams.
"The main problem we are experiencing is lack of food. Some miners go home to eat and fail to come back," one of the miners involved in the evacuation stated.
"Those who are digging with the hopes of evacuating Okwach are inexperienced but are trying their best and doing all they can," another miner added.
Miners stated they were not aware of Okwach's current condition as they had not spoken to him for a couple of days.
Siaya Deputy County Commissioner, Richard Karani, had assured residents and families that the emergency service providers and police would work hard to rescue the remaining miner.
"We have two ambulances on the ground. We donated an excavator, fire engine, oxygen supply, fuel and snacks to ensure the rescue teams remain at the site and carry on with the job to save the lives," Okumbe stated.
