Ombui Orandi was a man who had seen a century of history pass by. At 100 years old, he remained active enough to take a keen interest in the affairs of his country. On a recent Wednesday, that interest led him on what would be his final journey.

A Three-Kilometre Journey

According to a Citizen TV report, Orandi set out from his home in Biyonge village with a simple goal: he wanted to see the President. The Head of State was concluding a visit to the Kisii region, and a large gathering was held at the Egetuki grounds.

Despite his advanced age, the patriarch walked nearly three kilometres to reach the venue.

His family says he was eager to be part of the historic day. He reached the grounds and listened as the President concluded his address. However, as the official event ended, the atmosphere reportedly turned from a state function into a scene of desperation.

Chaos Over Shillings

According to the family, the trouble began just after the President left the field. They claim that residents were called back into the grounds by a local politician. It is alleged that cash handouts were being distributed to the crowd.

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The amount being offered was just 200 Kenyan Shillings per person. In the rush to claim the money, a scramble broke out. This quickly turned into a deadly stampede. Orandi, caught in the middle of the frantic crowd, did not survive the chaos.

Conflicting Reports

The family is now demanding justice and a full investigation into the incident. Teresa Kirubo, Orandi’s daughter, was with him at the venue. She witnessed the moment the celebration turned into a tragedy and has since reported the matter to the police.

However, the authorities have provided a different account of the day’s events dismissing the family’s claims of a stampede.

According to Citizen TV, the police commander stated that no such incident was recorded by his officers. Furthermore, he asserted that the elderly man died at a location far away from the presidential venue.

The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the "culture of dependency" in Kenyan politics. Former Chief Justice David Maraga has been particularly vocal, blaming the political class for exploiting the poor.

He suggested that such handouts lead to dangerous situations for vulnerable citizens.