Senator Cherargei Targets CS Ababu in Kericho Stadium Stampede
Samson Cherargei, senator for Nandi, wants Ababu Namwamba, cabinet secretary for youth affairs and sports, to accept responsibility for the death of four women at Kericho Green Stadium.
Cherargei demanded additional action be taken against the CS on Saturday, alleging that the stadium was inadequately renovated before the Mashujaa Day celebrations attended 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 embarrassing and apologized to the Kenyans who had risen early to attend the festivities.
“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 neither responded to Cherargei’s requests nor commented on the incident.
According to reports, the stampede occurred at Gate C of the stadium as thousands of locals raced to enter the venue at 1 a.m. The victims plummeted close to a gaping hole concealed by wooden planks.
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The situation was made worse by the mud that had accumulated in the county after a torrential downpour. However, a police report attributed the tragedy to a woman selling tea at the entrance. According to the police, she poured tea into the fire, causing the audience to flee for safety.
13 victims of the early morning tragedy were rushed to the Kericho County Referral Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
On Saturday, October 21, two of the survivors were released from the hospital after physicians gave them a clean bill of health.
President William Ruto expressed his condolences to the deceased’s family. He did not clarify, however, whether he had issued any directives regarding 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.
The Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, nevertheless ordered an investigation into the stampede. Kindiki also urged Kenyans to remain tranquil, reiterating that similar incidents will be curbed shortly.
Senator Cherargei Targets CS Ababu in Kericho Stadium Stampede