Sunday, June 26, 2022 –A sigh of relief engulfed Bondo area after Tom Okwach’s body was finally retrieved from the mines, seven months later.
The victim was trapped in the rubble when Abimbo Gold Mine in the area collapsed last December of 2021 sending the entire country into both shock and mourning.
This was the most unlucky case since eight of his colleagues working in the same mines were found alive 20 feet down the mining chambers entry.
Rescuers fetched from around the area would quickly swing into action with all manner of tools with the direct support from the County Government, worked day and night, in their efforts to save Okwach but they could not locate him until they started giving up one after another.
“Work is on but has been sluggish. My son has not been retrieved and we are very afraid. Let anyone who can help me do so for me to have my son back,” Okwach’s mother would be heard crying for help.
Stephen Aliwa, Okwach’s brother, expressed continued optimism that his brother would one day be found alive.