Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has strongly urged Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs and Sports, Ababu Namwamba, to shoulder responsibility for the tragic incident that unfolded at Kericho Green Stadium, claiming the lives of four women.
In a passionate plea on Saturday, Cherargei demanded swift action against the CS, asserting that the stadium's recent renovation was woefully inadequate, even as it hosted the Mashujaa Day celebrations graced by President William Ruto.
"The supervising ministry of Sports, led by CS Ababu, must bear the weight of responsibility for this lamentable incident," Senator Cherargei emphasized.
He further decried the incident as a grave embarrassment and extended his heartfelt apologies to the people of Kenya who had risen early to partake in the celebrations.
"My thoughts and condolences are with the families and friends who have lost their loved ones in the tragic stampede at Kericho Stadium yesterday. This incident has cast a shadow on all of us. I extend my sincerest apologies to our entire nation," mourned Cherargei.
As of the time of this report, CS Ababu Namwamba had not yet responded to Senator Cherargei's calls for accountability, nor had he issued a statement regarding the tragic incident.
According to reports, the stampede unfolded at Gate C of the stadium as thousands of residents rushed to gain early access to the venue, some arriving as early as 1 a.m. The victims reportedly stumbled near a concealed hole, hidden beneath wooden planks.
The already dire situation was exacerbated by the accumulation of mud resulting from heavy rainfall in the county. A police report, however, cited a woman selling tea at the gate as a contributing factor. According to the report, she accidentally spilled her tea, prompting panic among the crowd, who scrambled for safety.
Thirteen victims of the stampede suffered critical injuries and were swiftly transported to Kericho County Referral Hospital in the early hours following the incident. As of Saturday, October 21, two of the survivors were discharged from the hospital after receiving a clean bill of health.
President William Ruto expressed his condolences to the bereaved families, although he did not clarify whether any specific directives had been issued regarding the matter.
"My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the families affected by the tragedy at Kericho Green Stadium ahead of the Mashujaa Day celebrations. We offer our deepest condolences and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. Poleni sana," the President conveyed via his social media platforms.
Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has ordered a thorough investigation into the stampede. Kindiki also appealed to the Kenyan public to remain calm, assuring them that the government is committed to preventing similar incidents in the future.