Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has raised alarm over the growing number of Kenyans admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) following the stampede that occurred at Moi International Stadium, Kasarani, during the public viewing of the late opposition leader Raila Odinga’s body.
Omtatah, who visited the facility on Sunday evening, revealed that medical staff were struggling to handle the influx of patients.
In his statement, the senator disclosed that KNH received over 40 casualties from the tragic incident, in which one person is said to have succumbed. He said the hospital’s emergency and accident unit had been operating under immense pressure since the victims began arriving.
“During my visit to the hospital, I met with the Head of the Emergency and Accident Unit and members of the medical team who have been working tirelessly to save lives. They expressed concern over the overwhelming strain on staff and limited resources as they respond to the crisis,” Omtatah stated.
The legislator expressed further concern that, despite the emergency nature of the situation, many of the injured were still being asked to cover their treatment costs. According to him, only a small number of the patients qualified for emergency medical waivers under the existing framework.
He pledged to push for immediate government intervention to ensure that all victims of the stampede receive adequate medical attention without being hindered by financial challenges.
Omtatah urged the government, through the Ministry of Health, to step in and cushion the victims and their families during this period.
The lawmaker further called for urgent reforms to improve Kenya’s emergency response systems and enhance hospital preparedness for mass casualty incidents.
“It is deeply worrying that many of the injured are still expected to meet their medical costs, with only a small number qualifying for emergency waivers under the current framework. I have undertaken to pursue immediate interventions to ensure that all victims receive the medical care they need promptly and without financial barriers.”
Meanwhile, during the incident at Kasarani, police were forced to fire tear gas at the stadium, dispersing thousands of Kenyans who had thronged the venue.
The tear gas led to chaos erupting in the stadium as the huge crowd were forced to flee in different directions as police chased them away. Within minutes, the stadium, which had been filled to capacity, was virtually empty.
According to reports, the chaos began after some of the Kenyans in the stadium began throwing stones towards the pitch, triggering a rough response from the police.