100-year-old man killed in stampede for Ksh.200 handouts after Ruto's Kisii rally

A family in Bomachoge Chache is seeking answers and justice following the death of their 100-year-old patriarch under controversial circumstances.

The family claims Mzee Ombui Orandi died in a stampede after he was caught up in chaos that erupted moments after a presidential address on Wednesday, where residents were allegedly scrambling for cash handouts.

According to his family, the elder walked nearly three kilometres to Egetuki grounds, eager to see the President who visited the area on his final day in Kisii, unaware it would be his final journey.

They claim that moments after the President concluded his address, residents were called back into the field, where a scramble for money that was dished out at Ksh.200 each by a local politician turned chaotic, ending in a deadly stampede.

“Nilipata mzee njiani nikamuuliza unaenda wapi akasema anaenda kuona Rais...wakati President alimaliza speech yake.. Alfa (MP) aliambia watu ingia uwanjani... alafu ndani ya KMTC.. aliambia aweke laini walimrusha chini wakamkanyaga..” the deceased’s son Francis Nyabuto said.

Teresa Kerubo, who was with her father at the venue, recounts the moment confusion turned into tragedy.

“Vile rais alimaliza speech yake tukafikiria tunarudi nyumbani ndio tukaskia sauti kwamba Alfa amesema kila mtu arudi uwanjani.. muda kidogo tukaskia eti mtu amekufa... nikafikiri ni vijana mtu akaniambia eti unajua babako amekufa nikamwambia usiseme eti babangu amekufa.. nikanyemelea na watu walikuwa wanakimbizwa.. baba alikuwa na damu, viatu imetoka ata kofia yake ilibaki chini,” she said.

The family says they later reported the incident to police, hoping for justice and clarity.

Kisii County Police Commander Ronald Kirui has dismissed the claims, saying the elder died far from the venue where the President addressed residents and that no stampede was recorded.

“Huyu mzee aliaga sehemu mbali sana na mahali President alikuwa, madai ya familia sio ya kweli... Rais alihutubia umma kisha akatoka na hakukuwa na visa vya stampede,” Kirui stated.

Efforts to reach area Member of Parliament Alfa Miruka were unsuccessful, as he declined to comment on the matter.

The incident has drawn sharp reaction, with former Chief Justice David Maraga blaming the political class for what he termed a growing culture of dependency.

“Death of Mzee at Egetuki is blood in the hands of the President himself... you know we have turned our people into beggars,” Maraga said.

The family now faces a double tragedy—loss and poverty—saying they are unable to raise funds to bury their loved one.