Seven die in Kenya stadium stampede

SEVEN fans died in a stampede last night while trying to enter a stadium where a football match between two of Kenya's most popular teams was being played.

Kenya Red Cross spokesman Titus Mungo'u said six people died when they were trampled by the crowd outside Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, and one died after being taken to Kenyatta National Hospital.

David Matee, a radio operator with the St John's Ambulance, said: "Seven people are dead. People tried to force entry during the match because they didn't want to pay."

At least 30 people are believed to have been hurt in the crush. Live television coverage showed medics trying to revive one supporter outside the stadium and ambulances ferrying away the injured.

Jack Oguda, the chief executive of the Kenya Premier League, said there was confusion as to why the accident happened.

He said there was no reason why the fans could not have been admitted into the stadium by the normal entrance gates as the stands were not full.

"A gate was broken into by fans forcing their way into the stadium," Oguda said. "Access was limited and they got agitated, and that's why they forced their way in.

"We'll start an inquiry into the matter to establish why fans could not access the stadium."

Despite the tragedy the football match went ahead.

Zedekiah Otieno, the coach of Gor Mahia, who beat the AFC Leopards 1-0 in the game, said: "Management should ensure that gates are open on time to avoid a mad rush to the stadium during games of this magnitude."