A well-intentioned community event turned into a scene of tragedy and outrage after a stampede at the home of Busia Governor Paul Otuoma left several villagers dead, including children, during a distribution of 1kg bags of sugar.
The incident occurred on Tuesday when residents gathered at the Governor’s residence, responding to an invitation to receive the sugar. Witnesses describe a sudden surge and chaos as the distribution began, leading to a fatal crush.
Erick Wanyama, who lost his elder brother in the incident, recounted the harrowing details. “The Governor had invited people to his home to receive one kilogram of sugar, but the exercise turned chaotic,” Wanyama stated. According to his account and local reports, two children died at the scene. His brother succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at the Matayos Health Centre, where his body remains.
A woman is also believed to have died while being rushed to the Busia County Referral Hospital, though official confirmation from authorities is pending. The total number of casualties is currently unverified as police launch an investigation.
The tragedy has been compounded by allegations of a cover-up. Wanyama claims Governor Otuoma attempted to secretly move the bodies to Sega Mortuary using his wife’s vehicle, but grieving family members refused, insisting on police involvement.
“They wanted to take the body of my brother, but I have refused until the police come because this is a police case,” Wanyama told Angaza News. “The body is still here at Matayos Health Centre awaiting the police. What we are demanding is justice and nothing else.”
The community in Matayos is reeling from shock and grief, with calls for accountability growing louder. The event, meant as a gesture of support, has sparked urgent questions about crowd control and safety protocols at public distributions, especially those involving elected officials.
County police have confirmed they are investigating the circumstances leading to the stampede and the subsequent allegations regarding the handling of the deceased. Governor Otuoma’s office has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident or the serious accusations leveled by the victims’ families.
As families mourn, the demand for a transparent investigation and justice for the victims hangs heavily over Busia County.
