One person killed while harvesting sand in Kakamega

A sand harvester has died after he was buried under the rubble in Kakamega County.

Preliminary reports indicate that Michael Mulongo was prospecting on the banks on Lumakanda River in Lugari.

“I met a young man who informed me that his colleague was buried under the sand near the river. I called neighbors to help retrieve the body,” a resident said.

This comes as local residents said they have warned people against the trade citing the danger that comes with it.

“People have been coming here to harvest sand without proper gear. We have warned them over and over to no avail,” a resident said.

Further, they called for proper measures to be put in place to avert further crisis.

“The government should address this issue with utmost urgency. This will help keep illegal sand harvesters away,” another resident noted.

His body has been taken to a nearby morgue.