Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki has asked Kenyans to stay calm as the ministry works to determine the circumstances that led to the Mashujaa Day stampede witnessed at Kericho's Green Stadium.
In a statement shared by Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Raymond Omollo, the security ministry expressed sadness and regret over the incident. CS Kindiki also wished the victims affected a speedy recovery and best wishes.
"The ministry is deeply saddened by the stampede incident that happened earlier today when patriotic Kenyans tried to access the Kericho Green Stadium to commemorate the 60th Mashujaa Day celebrations.
"We deeply regret this unfortunate incident and grieve with the families of those who lost their lives today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected and we send out best wishes for a quick recovery to all those who were injured," the statement reads in parts.
Press Release: Stampede Incident at Kericho Green Stadium pic.twitter.com/kFTb0QxTn6— Dr. Raymond Omollo (@ray_omollo) October 20, 2023
The unfortunate incident that occurred earlier today happened after a lady selling tea outside the stadium unexpectedly spilt hot tea in the fire near gate 'C' causing panic as members of the public mistook it for teargas.
Police, while confirming the incident, noted that 4 people, all women, died during the incident and 13 people were injured.
Those injured included three police officers, a 67-year-old community health worker and a community health volunteer.
"Several people who wanted to gain entry to the stadium were injured and rushed to Kericho County Referral Hospital on board station motor vehicle and county government ambulances. At the said hospital, four unknown females have been confirmed dead," the police said.
The dead bodies were moved to a nearby morgue pending postmortem and identification.
