Omtatah sounds alarm as KNH struggles to handle victims of Kasarani stampede

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has raised concern over the mounting pressure on medical staff at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) following the tragic stampede at Moi International Stadium, Kasarani, during the public viewing of the late opposition leader Raila Odinga’s body.

Speaking after visiting the facility on Sunday evening, Omtatah revealed that KNH had received more than 40 casualties from the incident, in which one person is reported to have died. He noted that the hospital’s emergency and accident unit has been operating under immense strain since the victims started arriving.

“During my visit to the hospital, I met with the Head of the Emergency and Accident Unit and members of the medical team who have been working tirelessly to save lives. They expressed concern over the overwhelming strain on staff and limited resources as they respond to the crisis,” said Omtatah.

The senator expressed disappointment that many of the injured victims were still being asked to pay for their treatment despite the emergency nature of the situation. He added that only a handful qualified for medical waivers under the current government framework.

“It is deeply worrying that many of the injured are still expected to meet their medical costs, with only a small number qualifying for emergency waivers under the current framework. I have undertaken to pursue immediate interventions to ensure that all victims receive the medical care they need promptly and without financial barriers,” he added.

Omtatah pledged to push for urgent government intervention to ensure all those affected receive free and adequate medical attention. He urged the Ministry of Health to move quickly to cushion victims and their families during this difficult period.

He also called for comprehensive reforms in Kenya’s emergency response systems, saying the Kasarani tragedy had exposed gaps in the country’s disaster preparedness and hospital capacity to handle mass casualty incidents.

Meanwhile, chaos erupted at the Kasarani Stadium after police fired tear gas to disperse thousands of mourners who had packed the venue. The situation quickly turned chaotic as the panicked crowd fled in different directions. Within minutes, the stadium that had been filled to capacity was almost empty.

According to eyewitness reports, the commotion started after some attendees began hurling stones toward the pitch, prompting police to respond with tear gas, triggering the deadly stampede.