Kenyan PM orders stampede inquiry

Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has ordered an immediate investigation into a stampede at a Nairobi football match which at least seven people died.Odinga said that both the police and the football authorities would be involved in investigating the tragedy.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has ordered an immediate investigation into a stampede at a Nairobi football match which at least seven people died.
Odinga said that both the police and the football authorities would be involved in investigating the tragedy.

Seven fans died from a stampede while trying to get into a league match at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.
Nearly 20 others are fighting for their life in hospital after the incident.

According to the Red Cross, the incident happened at the stadium which was hosting a match between two of the country's most popular teams: Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards.

Red Cross spokesman Titus Mung'ou said six people died when they were run over by the crowd outside the stadium.
Another fan died at the Kenyatta National Hospital after being taken there for treatment for his injuries.

The match between perennial rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards ended in a 1-0 defeat for the Leopards.
In 2005, at least one person was trampled to death during a World Cup qualifier between Kenya and Morocco at the 35,000-capacity Nyayo National Stadium, leading to a two-year Fifa ban.
The stadium was eventually limited to 25,000 people.

Hundreds of fans have died during riots and stampedes at football games across Africa over the last decade. Correspondents say poorly-equipped security forces are often unable to control the crowds.

Agencies