Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has assured Kenyans that security officers are prepared to maintain order during Mashujaa Day celebrations in Eldoret, urging residents and visitors to avoid stampedes at the main venue.
Murkomen said security personnel had been properly deployed to manage crowds and ensure people attending the national event could celebrate safely.
“Our security officers are well prepared, properly deployed to control crowd, to ensure that there is full security, so Kenyans should be comfortable to attend the Mashujaa Day,” Murkomen said.
He urged residents to cooperate with event organisers, warning that excitement surrounding the celebrations should not lead to dangerous crowding.
“But I know there is a lot of excitement in the region, so I want to ask the residents of this region to avoid any acts of stampede,” he said.
Murkomen said arrangements had been made to accommodate people beyond the main seating areas, including overflow spaces and screens in parts of the city where members of the public can follow the celebrations.
“As long as we properly organise ourselves, various areas have been provided for, including overflow seating areas, including screens in some parts of the city,” he said.
The cabinet secretary encouraged people to arrive early enough to allow the programme to proceed smoothly, while cautioning against rushing into the stadium.
“I know many people come very early in the morning, and we encourage them to come in good time, so that we start together, celebrate together, and complete the day successfully,” he said.
The national celebrations will be held on Tuesday, October 20, at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, with Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet counties jointly hosting the event.
Preparations have included the redevelopment of Kipchoge Keino Stadium, which is expected to accommodate about 15,043 spectators.
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei inspected the ongoing works on October 17 as contractors prioritised sections required for the ceremony. The remaining construction work is expected to continue after the celebrations.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya had also said the stadium was ready to host the event, with construction expected to be more than 85 per cent complete by Sunday, October 18.
He said the remaining works would be completed after the celebrations.
Earlier preparations also included security briefings, infrastructure works and military rehearsals. On October 13, Chief of the Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri presided over a full-dress rehearsal at the stadium, involving military and security formations ahead of the national event.
The celebrations will bring together national leaders, invited guests and members of the public to honour Kenyans who have contributed to the country’s independence, development and progress.
Murkomen’s latest remarks place crowd management among the final priorities as organisers prepare to receive thousands of people in Eldoret.
His appeal comes as arrangements are made for spectators to use designated seating and viewing areas rather than crowding around the stadium entrance.
