Tragedy at Nyayo Stadium: Woman dies in stampede at Asake concert

One woman died in a stampede at an event featuring Nigerian singer Asake at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi.

The incident occurred on Saturday night as fans waited to enter the stadium. Several others sustained injuries and were transported to different hospitals for medical attention, police said.

According to witnesses, the stampede occurred at one of the stadium gates. Delays in entry contributed to the incident, with fans reportedly waiting from around 6 pm and limited communication regarding the hold-up.

“People were impatient, and there was no communication as to why the gate was not being opened. This caused a stampede as some pushed the gate open and ran into the ground,” claimed a witness.

Police confirmed that the woman was pronounced dead on arrival at a hospital. Nairobi police boss George Seda said a team is investigating the incident. He added that those injured were in stable condition.

“It is unfortunate that we lost a fan who was run over by others. It was a bad stampede,” Seda said. He noted that the body was taken to a mortuary pending autopsy and further investigations.

Ahmed Ololadelisten, known professionally as Asake, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter who performed at the event.

Some attendees reported that the event continued after the incident. There was no immediate comment from the event organisers.

The performance, titled ‘Asake & Gabzy Live in Nairobi,’ drew a large audience.

Police said that three major events were held in the city over the weekend, including those at Carnivore Grounds, Nyayo Stadium, and Uhuru Gardens. The other two events proceeded without major incidents, with resources heavily deployed, according to police.

Separately, police are investigating the death of a man whose body was found in a toilet in Parklands, Nairobi.

The deceased was identified as Benson Mwasa, 30.

The cause of death is yet to be confirmed, and the body was taken to a mortuary pending autopsy.