Okiya Omtatah calls for health reforms after Raila’s Nyayo stampede
By Aloys Michael, October 20, 2025Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah is pushing for reforms and hospital preparedness systems to tackle emergencies like the tragic stampede during the public viewing at the State Funeral of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga at Nyayo Stadium.
In an X post on Monday, October 20, 2025, Omtatah revealed that Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) had received over 40 casualties with one confirmed fatality.
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“During my visit to the hospital, I met with the Head of the Emergency and Accident Unit and members of the medical team who have been working tirelessly to save lives,” the X post read in part.
The vocal legislator expressed concern over the overwhelming strain on personnel and limited resources.
“They expressed concern over the overwhelming strain on staff and limited resources as they respond to the crisis,” the Senator said.
Omtatah described it as deeply worrying that many of the injured victims were expected to cater for their own medical expenses.
“Many of the injured are still expected to meet their medical costs, with only a small number qualifying for emergency waivers under the current framework,” he stated.
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He pledged to pursue immediate interventions to ensure that all victims receive treatment without financial barriers.
“I have undertaken to pursue immediate interventions to ensure that all victims receive the medical care they need promptly and without financial barriers,” the statement read.
The legislator called the stampede a national tragedy, calling for the need to strengthen the country’s emergency response capacity.
“This tragic event, which occurred as the nation came together to mourn one of Kenya’s greatest sons, reminds us of the urgent need to strengthen our emergency response systems, invest in hospital preparedness, and support our overstretched health workers,” he said.
As the nation continues to mourn the late Raila Odinga after his burial, Omtatah has urged Kenyans to honour his legacy through compassion and unity.
“As we honor the memory of Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga, a patriot who dedicated his life to justice, equality, and service, let us also recommit to building a country that values every Kenyan life and ensures dignity in times of sorrow and crisis,” he said.
“May the injured recover quickly, and may the soul of the departed rest in eternal peace.”