A fatal stampede occurred at a concert held by popular Nigerian musician Asake at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya, resulting in the death of a 20-year-old woman, Karen Lojore. The incident happened on Saturday, December 20, due to overcrowding at the venue. On-site paramedics attempted to resuscitate Lojore before rushing her to Nairobi West Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The show’s organizer, Tukutane Entertainment, confirmed the incident on their Instagram page, expressing sadness over the loss of life. The statement read, “We are deeply saddened to confirm that a tragic incident occurred during our December 20th concert, resulting in the loss of life.” The organizer also stated that they are cooperating fully with emergency services and the appropriate authorities to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.
This is not the first time a fatal stampede has occurred at one of Asake’s concerts. In December 2022, a 33-year-old Nigerian mother of two, Rebecca Ikumelo, lost her life at Asake’s concert in Brixton O2 Academy in London after sustaining severe injuries during a stampede.
The Nyayo National Stadium incident highlights the importance of crowd control and safety measures at large events. Overcrowding and poor venue management can have devastating consequences, as seen in this case. The incident is currently being investigated by the authorities, who are working to determine the cause of the stampede and how similar incidents can be prevented in the future.
The death of Karen Lojore has sparked concerns about concert safety in Kenya and beyond. Asake’s concerts have been popular worldwide, and the safety of attendees is a top priority. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the findings will likely have implications for event organizers and venue managers in the region.