Family of 100-Year-Old Patriarch Demands Justice Following Fatal Stampede at President Ruto’s Kisii Rally

The family of 100-year-old Ombui Orandi demands justice following a fatal stampede allegedly caused by cash handouts at a presidential rally in Kisii.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 18, 2026, 5:40 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from TUKO.co.ke

A Tragic End to a Presidential Visit

The family of Mzee Ombui Orandi, a patriarch believed to be nearly 100 years old, has called for a formal investigation into his death following a presidential tour in Kisii County. The incident occurred on April 15 after President William Ruto concluded a series of developmental launches, including the KMTC Gucha Campus and local road projects. Relatives claim that what began as a day of civic engagement ended in a fatal tragedy when a crowd surge resulted in the elderly man being trampled to death.

Disputed Circumstances of the Fatal Incident

Conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the exact location and cause of the patriarch’s passing. Family members, including the deceased's son Francis Nyabuto Ombui, allege that the chaos erupted at the gates of the KMTC Gucha campus. According to witness testimony, residents were reportedly called back to the field with promises of cash distributions, leading to a frantic scramble. The family asserts that Mzee Orandi, who suffered from a hearing impairment, was unable to navigate the surging crowd and was pushed to the ground.

Police Dismiss Claims of Event Chaos

Kisii County Police Commander Ronald Kirui has officially dismissed the family's version of events, maintaining that no stampede occurred during or after the presidential rally. The police chief stated that the elderly man passed away at a significant distance from the main venue where the President addressed the public. Authorities insist that the event concluded without incident and that the family’s allegations of a handout-induced stampede are inaccurate, creating a standoff between local law enforcement and the grieving kin.