A grieving family in Bomachoge Chache is demanding answers following the death of their 100-year-old patriarch, Ombui Orandi, under circumstances they describe as both tragic and deeply troubling.
According to relatives, the centenarian died after being caught in a chaotic stampede that allegedly broke out shortly after a presidential address in the area on Wednesday.
The family claims that Orandi had walked nearly three kilometres to Egetuki grounds to catch a glimpse of the Head of State during his final day of a tour in Kisii County—unaware it would be his last journey.
They allege that moments after the speech ended, residents were called back into the field by area MP Alfa Miruka, where small cash handouts of KSh200 were reportedly being distributed.
What followed, they say, was a frantic rush that quickly spiraled out of control.
Orandi’s son, Francis Nyabuto, recounted that his father had been eager to attend the event, but was later knocked down and trampled in the ensuing chaos.
His daughter, Teresa Kerubo, described the confusion and disbelief that gripped her when she first heard someone had died – only to later discover it was her father. She said he was found injured, with blood on his body and some of his belongings scattered at the scene.
The family says they have since reported the matter to authorities and are now seeking justice, insisting that a thorough investigation be conducted into what transpired.
However, police have strongly disputed the family’s account. Kisii County Police Commander Ronald Kirui dismissed claims of a stampede, stating that Orandi died far from the venue where the President had addressed residents and that no such incident was recorded during the event.
Efforts to obtain a response from MP Alfa Miruka were unsuccessful, as he declined to comment on the allegations.
The incident comes amid growing scrutiny over claims that some political events in Kenya involve the distribution of money, food, or other incentives to attract crowds – a practice critics describe as “crowd renting.”
Analysts argue that such tactics are sometimes used to project political popularity, with reports of individuals being transported to rallies to boost attendance.
As conflicting accounts continue to emerge, the family’s quest for answers underscores broader concerns about safety, accountability, and the conduct of political gatherings in the country.
