Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei wants Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs and Sports Ababu Namwamba to take responsibility for the death of four women at Kericho Green Stadium.
Cherargei, on Saturday, further demanded action be taken against the CS, claiming that the stadium was poorly renovated ahead of the Mashujaa Day celebrations graced by President William Ruto.
“The supervising ministry of Sports CS Ababu must be held responsible for this unfortunate incident."
“This is a clear pointer of substandard work done by the ministry at the stadium," the senator apportioned blame on Namwamba.
He also lamented that the incident was an embarrassment and issued an apology to Kenyans who woke up early to attend the celebrations.
"My heart goes out to the families and friends who lost their loved ones after the stampede at Kericho Stadium yesterday. The incident embarrassed all of us. My apologies to the entire country," Cheragei mourned.
CS Ababu Namwamba has yet to respond to Cherargei's demands, nor spoken about the incident.
Reports indicated that the stampede occurred at the stadium's Gate C as thousands of residents rushed to enter the venue as early as 1 a.m. The victims allegedly fell near a gaping hole concealed by wooden planks.
The situation was worsened by the mud which had accumulated following a heavy downpour in the county. A police report, however, attributed the accident to a woman who was selling tea at the gate. Police stated that she poured the tea into the fire, forcing the crowd to scamper for safety.
13 victims of the accident were rushed to Kericho County Referral Hospital. after incurring crucial injuries in the early morning incident.
2 of the survivors were discharged on Saturday, October 21, after doctors gave them a clean bill of health.
President William Ruto condoled with the family of the deceased. He, however, did not clarify whether he had issued any directive on the matter.
"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," the President stated via his social media pages.
Nonetheless, the Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki ordered investigations into the stampede. Kindiki further appealed to Kenyans to remain calm, reaffirming that the government will curb similar incidents in the near future.
