Crowd Forces Way Into Kasarani Stadium As Police Issue Advisory

They were rushed to hospital as a crowd tried to force its way into the stadium guarded by tight security.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Sep 13, 2022 - 04:19 Updated: Sep 13, 2022 - 04:27
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Crowd Forces Way Into Kasarani Stadium As Police Issue Advisory
Thousands of Kenyans attended William Ruto's swearing-in ceremony at Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday, September 13, 2022. /COURTESY

The National Police Service (NPS) has cautioned Kenyans yet to head to Kasarani Stadium for president-elect William Ruto’s swearing-in ceremony as over five people were reported injured.

They were rushed to hospital as a crowd tried to force its way into the stadium guarded by tight security.

Officers manning the gate were overwhelmed by the turnout and efforts to stop the anxious attendees were all in vain.

The rowdy crowd resorted to breaking through the five metre Kasarani perimeter wall and barged past the checkpoint to the venue.

Kenya Red Cross emergency service providers rushed the injured to a nearby hospital for first aid treatment. 

Over 10,000 officers were deployed to provide security at the 60,000-seater stadium. 

"In anticipation of being part of history, Kenyans have thronged the venue in large numbers. By 5.00 am this morning, the venue had already filled to capacity, as more people continue to troop to the venue.

"To avoid logistical challenges, this is to request the public to make alternative arrangements to view the proceedings, especially from the comfort of their homes," police spokesperson, Bruno Shioso advised in a statement released on Tuesday morning, September 13.

Bus Ferrying Passengers To Ruto’s Inauguration Involved in Accident

Hours earlier, at least 19 people were on Monday, September 12, injured after a bus they were travelling in was involved in an accident at Sachangwan on the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway.

The victims were among Kenya Kwanza supporters from Kakamega County travelling to Nairobi to attend Ruto's inauguration.

Nakuru County Police Commander Peter Mwanzo stated that the accident involved a St Johns Baptist Likuyani bus with a capacity of 62 passengers.

The bus is said to have landed in a ditch before rolling after a brake failure.

The police boss said five passengers were seriously injured and are receiving treatment at Nakuru Level 6 Hospital.

14 other passengers sustained minor injuries and were rushed to Molo Sub-county Hospital for medical attention.

“So far 14 casualties with minor injuries have been rushed to Molo Subcounty Hospital while five others with serious injuries have been rushed to Nakuru Level 6 Hospital but they are responding well to treatment,” Mwanzo said, urging motorists to be careful of the infamous Sachangwan blackspot has a long slope, meaning drivers plying the route must exercise caution.

Bus rolls in Sachangwan after brake failure. /K24 DIGITAL

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