Scores hurt in 6am stampede at Madaraka Day fete venue – PHOTOS
Scores of people were hurt in a 6am stampede at Kinoru stadium in Meru town on Friday, the venue of this year’s official Madaraka Day celebrations.
The town’s residents trooped to the stadium at dawn and by 6am all terraces reserved for the public were already full.
All the four gates to the stadium were mobbed by long queues, with some attendees having arrived as early as 3am.
Security officers were forced to lock the gates to bar thousands of Kenyans eager to enter the stadium, and in the ensuing melee, a stampeded ensued as people struggled to reach the gates.
More than 18,000 are expected to attend the event to be presided over by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Meanwhile, security was beefed up around stadium and the region ahead of the celebrations.
Many residents walked to the stadium as motor vehicles were barred from accessing the venue and Meru town.
Eastern Regional Commissioner Wycliffe Ogallo said only vehicles with special passes will access the stadium and the town.