Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has appealed for calm as the ministry works to establish the circumstances that led to a stampede early Friday at the Kericho Green Stadium causing four deaths.
In a statement Friday evening, the CS said investigations will help ensure necessary measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
"We deeply regret this unfortunate incident and and grieve with the families of those who lost their lives today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected and we send our best wishes for a quick recovery to all those who were injured," the statement read in part.
Earlier, police attributed the tragic incident to panic that gripped a crowd of people who were waiting for Gate C of the stadium to be opened when a lady who was selling tea spilled it into fire.
Police said the crowd mistook it for teargas resulting in the fatal stampede.
The injured were rushed to the Kericho County Referral Hospital for treatment.
"At the hospital, doctors confirmed four people dead, all female and 10 injured. Among those injured were four civilians and six police officers," the Interior Ministry said.
"All the injured are in stable condition and receiving treatment at Kericho County Referral Hospital. The deceased bodies have been preserved in the facility’s morgue pending identification and postmortem examinations."
President William Ruto condoled with families and friends of the deceased and wished those injured quick recovery.
"My heart goes out to the families of the victims of the tragedy at the Kericho Green Stadium ahead of the Mashujaa Day celebrations. We extend our deepest condolences and pray for the quick recovery of the injured. Poleni sana," he said.
A huge crowd attended the 60th Mashujaa Day celebrations which were themed around Universal Health Care, a critical element aligned with the government's commitment to achieving the Vision 2030 targets.
Attendees started arriving at the stadium as early as 3am, hours before the scheduled opening of gates at 6am.
Deputy President had advised Kericho residents to arrive early saying they would purpose to rush the programme and ensure it ends early in light of the rainy weather.
And true to his word, the event ended at noon.
