Several hurt in Kenya stadium crush ahead of Ruto swearing-in

Several hurt in Kenya stadium crush ahead of Ruto swearing-in

Police have told Kenyans to watch the swearing-in ceremony from home
Police have told Kenyans to watch the swearing-in ceremony from home. Photo: SIMON MAINA / AFP
Source: AFP

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Several people were injured on Tuesday as crowds tried to force their way into the stadium where Kenya's president-elect William Ruto is to be sworn in, local media reported.

Television footage showed hundreds of people scaling a wall to gain access to the 60,000-seat Kasarani stadium in Nairobi, which was packed with spectators before dawn.

Dozens of people can be seen falling on top of each other in a crush at one entrance gate, while first aid responders carried people to a waiting ambulance.

Police spokesman Bruno Shioso said the stadium was filled to capacity at 5:00 am (0200 GMT) and urged Kenyans to follow the proceedings from home.

"In anticipation of being part of history, Kenyans have thronged to the venue in large numbers," Shioso said in a statement.

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"To avoid logistical challenges, this is to request the public to make alternative arrangements to view the proceedings, especially from the confort of their homes."

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By law, Ruto must take the oath of office by 2:00 pm (1100 GMT) on Tuesday, five weeks to the day since the August 9 election that saw him clinch a narrow win over his rival Raila Odinga.

Source: AFP

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