- A 100-year-old man from Bomachoge Chache died in unclear circumstances after attending a presidential event
- Family claims he was caught in a stampede during a rush for cash handouts after the rally
- Police have denied the stampede claims, saying the death occurred away from the event venue
- Witness accounts from relatives describe confusion, panic, and a crowd surge moments after the speech
Grief and confusion have gripped a family in Bomachoge Chache following the sudden death of their 100-year-old patriarch, Mzee Ombui Orandi. Relatives are now demanding answers, insisting his death was not natural but linked to chaos that unfolded after a public event attended by the President in Kisii County.
According to the family, the elderly man had left home in high spirits, determined to witness the rare visit by the Head of State. What was meant to be a memorable day, however, ended in tragedy.
The family says the centenarian walked close to three kilometres to reach Egetuki grounds, showing determination despite his age. They believe he got caught up in a dangerous crowd movement shortly after the President concluded his speech.
The incident has since sparked debate in the region, with conflicting accounts emerging about what really happened. As investigations remain unclear, the family continues to push for accountability.
Relatives and witnesses allege that shortly after the President’s address, an announcement was made asking people to return to the rally, triggering confusion among those preparing to leave. According to their account, the situation quickly escalated when money was reportedly distributed to members of the public. This led to a rush, with people scrambling to access the cash, creating a dangerous environment for those present.
Family members claim the elderly man was knocked down during the commotion and trampled by the crowd. His son described how he later learned that his father had been overwhelmed in the chaos, suffering fatal injuries. These claims paint a picture of a poorly controlled situation, where large crowds and sudden movements turned deadly. However, these allegations remain contested by authorities.
The deceased’s daughter, who says she was present at the scene, recalled how quickly the situation changed. She explained that the crowd initially began dispersing after the speech, only to be called back moments later. Within a short time, panic spread as people rushed in different directions, with little control from organisers. It was during this confusion that news of a death began circulating among the crowd.
She described the emotional moment she discovered her father among the victims, lying injured on the ground. According to her, his belongings were scattered, and he showed signs of serious harm. The experience has left the family traumatised, as they struggle to come to terms with the loss. Their testimony adds a deeply personal dimension to the unfolding controversy.
Authorities have strongly disputed the family’s version of events, creating further uncertainty around the case. Kisii County Police Commander Ronald Kirui stated that no stampede was recorded at the rally. He insisted that the elderly man died at a location far from where the President addressed the public. According to police, the claims being made by the family do not match official findings.
This contradiction has raised questions about what truly happened on that day. While police maintain that the event proceeded without incident, the family continues to challenge that position. The lack of a clear, unified account has only deepened public concern. Many are now calling for an independent review to establish the facts.
The incident has drawn national attention, with leaders weighing in on the broader issues it raises. David Maraga criticised the political class, linking the tragedy to a growing reliance on public handouts during rallies. He argued that such practices can expose vulnerable citizens to unnecessary risks, especially in crowded settings.
His remarks have sparked fresh debate on how political events are organised and managed across the country. Observers note that large gatherings often attract massive crowds, making safety planning critical. The tragedy has now become part of a wider conversation about leadership responsibility and public welfare. As pressure mounts, many are waiting to see whether further investigations will provide clarity.
With conflicting narratives still unresolved, the family of Mzee Ombui Orandi remains determined to seek justice. They say they have already reported the matter to authorities and are hoping for a thorough investigation. For them, the priority is to understand how a routine public event ended in such a devastating loss. The case has become a symbol of the risks that can arise in poorly managed crowd situations.
As attention remains fixed on Kisii, the coming days may prove crucial in uncovering the truth. Whether the death was caused by a stampede or other circumstances, the demand for accountability continues to grow. The family, supported by sections of the public, insists that the matter should not be ignored. For now, the questions remain unanswered, and the search for justice goes on.
