In a somber turn of events, President William Ruto expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the heartbreaking tragedy at Kericho Green Stadium. The incident, which claimed the lives of four individuals and left many injured, unfolded on Friday as eager crowds gathered at Gate C in anticipation of the 60th Mashujaa Day celebrations.
In a statement, President Ruto extended his sympathies, stating, “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 chaos ensued at 6 am when panic gripped the crowd after a tea vendor accidentally spilled hot tea into a nearby fire. Mistaking it for teargas, the attendees scrambled in fear, leading to the tragic stampede.
County government ambulances swiftly transported the injured to Kericho County Referral Hospital, where four females tragically succumbed to their injuries. Thirteen others, including two GSU officers, a National Youth Service officer, and two community health workers, sustained injuries but are now in stable condition, according to hospital officials.
The ceremony, presided over by the Head of State, was marked by a significant outpouring of grief and solidarity from the attendees. The incident occurred despite stringent security measures, including thorough screenings, that were put in place to ensure the safety of all participants.
In a gesture honoring the spirit of Mashujaa, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s earlier decision to conclude the ceremony early due to inclement weather was overshadowed by the tragedy. President Ruto, in a tribute to a national hero, renamed the Kericho Green Stadium in memory of Wilson Kiprugut.
Kiprugut’s legacy as the first Kenyan to win an Olympic medal, a bronze in the 800 meters at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, and a silver in the same event at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, made him a fitting choice for this tribute.
The nation mourns the loss of lives and stands united in grief, remembering the victims of this unfortunate incident.
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