At least one woman was killed in a stampede at an event that was performed by Nigerian singer Asake at the Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi.
Police said the incident happened Saturday night as a group of fans waited to get into the stadium. The death and injuries did not stop the show.
Dozens others were left with serious injuries in the stampede, police said adding they were rushed to separate hospitals emergency teams.
Witnesses said the stampede happened at one of the gates leading into the venue of the event.
The entry chaos marred the night, with long delays which prompted the stampede, police and some of those present said.
Witnesses said the fans had run out of patience as it was raining and the gates remained closed for long despite them being there by 6 pm.
The fans were impatient and there was no communication as to why the gate was not being opened, one witness said.
“This caused a stampede as some pushed the gate open and run into the ground,” said a witness.
It was then many were trumped on by a mob.
Police said a woman was pronounced dead on arrival at a hospital following the stampede.
A team is investigating the incident. The team visited the scene on Sunday afternoon as part of their probe into the tragedy, said Nairobi police boss George Seda.
He said those injured were in a stable condition in hospitals.
“It was a bad stampede that left one dead,” he said.
He added the body was moved to the mortuary pending an autopsy and other investigations.
Ahmed Ololadelisten, known professionally as Asake, is a Nigerian singer, rapper and songwriter and was in Nairobi for a concert .
Asake performed “Lonely At The Top”, “Remember”, “PBUY” & “MMS” w/ Wizkid at the concert.
There was no immediate comment from the organizers of the event.
The Nigerian Afrobeats star headlined ‘Asake & Gabzy Live in Nairobi, drawing huge crowds for songs.
Some fans lit up phones and sang along despite downpours.
Asake shared warmth by trying to gift a fan his diamond chain from the stage.
Police said there were three major events in the city attended by tens of fans. The events were at the Carnivore Grounds, Nyayo Stadium and Uhuru Gardens. The other two events started and ended without a tragedy, police said as they added their resources had been overwhelmed.
More personnel have been mobilized for security ahead of the festivities.
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