In a heart-wrenching incident in Kericho, western Kenya, four women lost their lives in a stampede outside a stadium, just hours before the “Heroes’ Day” celebrations presided over by President William Ruto.
The Scoop
The unfortunate event unfolded around 03:00 local time (00:00 GMT) outside the Kericho Green Stadium. The trigger for the stampede was an accidental spillage of tea by a vendor onto a fire. The large crowd, eagerly waiting to enter the stadium for the morning festivities, mistook the resultant smoke for tear gas and panicked.
The police report, as reviewed by AFP, confirmed the death of four unidentified women and mentioned several injuries. However, the exact number of injured individuals remains unspecified. The report further detailed the cause of the stampede, emphasizing the public’s misconception of the tea spillage as a tear gas attack.
Despite the tragic prelude, the “Heroes’ Day” celebrations proceeded as scheduled in the 10,000-capacity stadium. The event included a notable speech by President William Ruto. This significant day, celebrated on 20 October, honors the valiant fighters who played pivotal roles in Kenya’s journey to independence in 1963.
In Closing
Such incidents underline the importance of safety measures and public awareness, especially during large gatherings. As Kenya remembers its heroes, the nation also mourns the untimely loss of its citizens. Our thoughts are with the families affected by this tragedy.
