KERICHO, Kenya Oct 20 – Four women died in a stampede at Kericho Stadium Friday as a crowd scrambled to get in for the Mashujaa Day celebrations.
The incident occurred at 3 am at gate “C” when a crowd panicked after an accidental spill of hot tea from a hawker, which they mistook for teargas.
Police said several other people, including officers, were injured in the melee and were rushed to hospital.
The event was presided over by President William Ruto, who arrived at 10am, long after the incident.
“Several people who wanted to gain entry to the stadium were injured and rushed to Kericho County Referral Hospital. Sadly, four women passed away while undergoing treatment at the hospital,” a police report seen by Capital FM states in part.
Among the injured were three police officers, with one sustaining a fracture on the right leg, another having a cut wound on the right eye, and the third officer suffering a head injury.
Also injured were two Community Health Promoters one with a neck injury and the other with injuries on the back and left leg, police said.
A total of 13 victims sustained injuries, with four of them experiencing soft tissue injuries, while the others had injuries on their backs, legs, shoulders, and chests. The injured individuals range in age from 17 to 67 years old.
Police said all the injured are in stable condition and receiving treatment at Kericho County Referral Hospital.
The influx of spectators started as early as 1 am, with people keen to secure their spots in the 10,000-capacity stadium. However, as they flocked to enter through Gate C, a stampede occurred, resulting in several injuries. The incident prompted a police response to restore order at the entrances.
The wet and muddy pavements outside the stadium, a consequence of the Thursday evening downpour, further complicated the situation. The exact number of people injured remains unknown, but those affected were quickly transported to Kericho County Referral Hospital.
The stadium was at full capacity by 7 am, signifying the significance of the event. The previous day, Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba officially received the stadium from the contractor after two months of successful reconstruction. The upgraded stadium now boasts two VIP lounges, two changing rooms, terraces, and paved parking.
