Residents of the area have come out to demand compensation, saying a low-flying fighter jet caused panic and left several homes and buildings damaged. The incident happened on December 13 as thousands of Kenyans gathered at the stadium to mark the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations.
According to witnesses, a Northrop F-5 Tiger II fighter jet flew unusually low over the stadium and surrounding neighbourhoods. The sudden appearance and loud noise startled the crowd inside the stadium, including President William Ruto and other senior government officials in attendance.
In Nairobi West, which lies close to Nyayo Stadium, residents say the impact was severe. Many reported shattered window panes, cracked walls, and damage to roofs and ceilings. Some families said they were inside their houses when the jet passed overhead, leaving them terrified and confused.
“I thought it was an explosion,” said one resident whose house suffered broken windows.
“The sound was too loud, and the walls shook. We ran outside thinking something terrible had happened.”
Several affected residents said the damage has left them with repair costs running into thousands of shillings. They are now calling on the government and the Kenya Air Force to take responsibility and compensate those whose property was destroyed.
Others have raised concerns about safety, questioning why such a low-altitude flypast was allowed over a residential area during a national celebration. Community members have urged authorities to ensure that future events do not put civilians at risk.
Inside Nyayo Stadium, the jet flyover was part of the planned aerial display by the Kenya Air Force. However, the aircraft’s low altitude reportedly caused fear among attendees, with many momentarily panicking as it roared above the packed venue.
The Jamhuri Day celebrations attracted thousands of people, with the 18,000-seat stadium filling up early in the morning. Gates were opened as early as 4:00 a.m., and by 8:00 a.m., the stadium was nearly full.
President Ruto arrived shortly after 9:00 a.m. and was received by Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri. As is tradition, the president toured the stadium in a bulletproof vehicle before inspecting a guard of honour mounted by the Kenya Army.
The celebrations featured march-pasts by different security agencies, cultural performances, and aerial displays meant to showcase Kenya’s military strength and national pride. This year’s event focused on promoting tourism, wildlife, and Kenya’s role as a hub for meetings and exhibitions.
During his speech, President Ruto led the nation in observing a minute of silence in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, praising his contribution to the country.
Several affected residents said the damage has left them with repair costs running into thousands of shillings. They are now calling on the government and the Kenya Air Force to take responsibility and compensate those whose property was destroyed.
Others have raised concerns about safety, questioning why such a low-altitude flypast was allowed over a residential area during a national celebration. Community members have urged authorities to ensure that future events do not put civilians at risk.
Inside Nyayo Stadium, the jet flyover was part of the planned aerial display by the Kenya Air Force. However, the aircraft’s low altitude reportedly caused fear among attendees, with many momentarily panicking as it roared above the packed venue.
The Jamhuri Day celebrations attracted thousands of people, with the 18,000-seat stadium filling up early in the morning. Gates were opened as early as 4:00 a.m., and by 8:00 a.m., the stadium was nearly full.
President Ruto arrived shortly after 9:00 a.m. and was received by Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri. As is tradition, the president toured the stadium in a bulletproof vehicle before inspecting a guard of honour mounted by the Kenya Army.
The celebrations featured march-pasts by different security agencies, cultural performances, and aerial displays meant to showcase Kenya’s military strength and national pride. This year’s event focused on promoting tourism, wildlife, and Kenya’s role as a hub for meetings and exhibitions.
During his speech, President Ruto led the nation in observing a minute of silence in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, praising his contribution to the country.
He also announced that Talanta Stadium would be renamed Raila Odinga International Stadium once completed, following appeals from Nairobi leaders and residents.
Hello, my name is Yoruba. I'm a 25 year old self-employed blogger from the Africa.
No comments:
Post a Comment