Ruto mourns victims of Kericho stadium stampede

By Peter Ochieng

President William Ruto has mourned victims of the Kericho Green Stadium stampede.

The Head of State in a statement on X, formerly Twitter on Friday evening shared his message of condolence to the families of the bereaved.

He said he is praying for quick recovery to those injured.

“My heart goes out to the families of the victims of the tragedy at the Kericho Green Stadium ahead of the Mashujaa Day celebrations. We extend our deepest condolences and pray for the quick recovery of the injured. Poleni sana,” wrote the president.

Kenyans who responded to his message wondered why the stadium was given a go ahead to host the Mashujaa Day celebrations in the first place.

“Condolences to the families and quick recovery to those affected. Hopefully someone will take responsibility for pulling Kenyans to that kind of muddy field, which was obviously a safety concern,” said Anwar Saddat.

Boss Yator wrote: “Why did your officials allow you to use a stadium that wasn't ready?... The stadium looks pathetic also given the Sh850M you spend renovating it, doesn't make sense at-all.”

“Work with professionals, work with proven and tested pros. Accept your appointments have failed every time. For the first time a national celebration turned farcical,” said Samuel Odima.

“Being sorry is not enough, we need those culpable of pushing the event to be held on a stadium which was not ready be held accountable,” Maureen Maks added.

According to a police statement, a tragic stampede occurred at Kericho Green Stadium, resulting in death of four people, while 13 others were injured.

The stampede was triggered by an unfortunate accident involving a tea vendor. The vendor accidentally spilled hot tea onto an open fire near gate “C” along the public road.

The sudden burst of hot tea and the ensuing commotion were misconstrued by the public as a teargas attack.

“Stampede caused by a lady who was selling tea outside the stadium who accidentally spilled hot tea in the fire near gate “C” along the public road, as a result, members of the public panicked and mistook it to be a teargas thrown at them.”

Those injured are reportedly in a stable condition.