Stampede for Sh200 at Ruto Kisii rally kills 97-year-old

TL;DR

A 97-year-old man died in a stampede at a rally in Kisii County while rushing for Sh200 handouts after President Ruto's speech.
Mzee Ombui Orandi walked 3km to Egetuki Centre, fell due to hearing problems amid the crowd push at KMTC Gucha gate, and was trampled.
The incident highlights risks of cash distributions at political events, with the family seeking burial help and police investigating.

The story at a glance

Mzee Ombui Orandi, a 97-year-old from Biyonge village in Bomachoge Chache Constituency, Kisii County, died on April 15, 2026, during a stampede for Sh200 handouts (Goserwa) at Egetuki Centre after President William Ruto's rally. MP Alpha Miruka was distributing the cash at KMTC Gucha Campus gate when the crowd pushed in, causing Mzee Ombui to fall and get trampled unnoticed until his body was found. The story is reported now as the family reports the death and seeks assistance, following the rally where Ruto launched projects.

Key points

Mzee Ombui, born in 1929 per ID (family says possibly 100), walked about 3km daily to Egetuki Centre and was excited to see Ruto, telling others his president was in his backyard.
Ruto commissioned KMTC Gucha Campus, launched 11km Sameta-Egetuki-Ikoba road, and inspected Egetuki Modern Market, saying projects prove manifesto delivery.
Post-speech, residents rushed KMTC gate for Sh200 each; Mzee Ombui, with hearing issues, fell in the commotion and was stepped on until MP halted distribution.
Family took body to Ogembo mortuary, reported at Ogembo Police Station (OB No. 15/15/04/2026 at 12:55pm); he was rushed to Ogembo Hospital but not revived.
A 13-year-old boy from Kebere village suffered chest and back injuries in the stampede; his mother got Sh200 but later had him X-rayed and medicated.
MP Miruka called it unfortunate, away from his point; authorities are investigating.

Details and context

Mzee Ombui followed his routine, leaving home at 9am despite his age. The rally focused on development projects to boost healthcare and infrastructure in Kisii. Cash handouts like Goserwa are common at such events but can spark dangerous crowds in rural areas with high poverty.

The stampede happened after Ruto left, at the campus gate. His son Joshua explained the push started when word spread about money, and Mzee lay there until noticed. Several others were hurt, though exact numbers are unclear.

Family lacks means for burial and appeals for help. Police report confirms the incident.

Key quotes

Son Joshua Ombui: "When the President left, word spread that people should get to the KMTC grounds to receive some money. My father has a hearing problem, and at the gate, people started pushing their way in. He fell, and people stepped on him."
MP Alpha Miruka: "Authorities are investigating the death; it's an unfortunate incident. He fell and was unable to get up."
President Ruto: "We have faithfully delivered on the commitments we made to the people of Kenya in our manifesto. Across the country, completed and ongoing projects stand as visible proof of our progress."[[1]](https://nation.africa/kenya/counties/kisii/how-stampede-for-sh200-ruto-rally-cash-led-to-death-of-97-year-old-man-5426822#story)[[2]](https://nation.africa/kenya/counties/kisii/how-stampede-for-sh200-ruto-rally-cash-led-to-death-of-97-year-old-man-5426822)

Why it matters

Political rallies with cash handouts expose vulnerable rural crowds to stampede risks, turning development events tragic. For Kisii residents, it means caution around such distributions, especially for elderly or those with disabilities, while families face burial costs without support. Watch police probe outcome and any aid for victims, though response from leaders remains unclear.