Investigations into Bukhungu Stadium collapse launched

Police have launched investigations into the collapse of a section of Kakamega’s Bukhungu Stadium on Saturday as the quality of material used for the renovation works budgeted to cost Ksh1b was called into question following the near disaster.

While confirming no one had died following the lunch time incident Kakamega County Police Commander Kilonzo Tito said they had started the process of establishing the cause of the mishap.

Eyewitness blamed the collapse on poor workmanship used in the renovation works as they called to question the viability of the project that was to gift the County a world class stadium.

“Instead of using quality material on the renovations the opposite is done which puts the lives of everybody who goes to the stadium in danger. This is a stadium that should have been one of the best in Kenya,” a resident maintained.

County Governor, Wycliffe Oparanya also came under criticism.

“This is the stadium that should have the face of Kakamega County and so we are surprised with the collapse. Oparanya must come out clear and explain to us what we don’t know,” another urged.

Deputy Governor Phillip Kutima absolved the county boss from blame.

“We are going to commence the investigations on the collapse to find out what is exactly the cause.

“We must stop this work immediately so that we may know what has caused this. The other buildings in this stadium will be checked by the engineer to establish whether the right materials were used in the construction,” he added.

In May, former Kakamega County deputy speaker Cleophas Malala questioned the contracts that were awarded for the renovations which he claimed that something fishy might be the offing.

Speaking after the collapse, the outspoken Member for County Assembly of Mahiakalo claimed the Governor was pressuring the project to be completed in haste before next year’s General Election.

“This project cost Ksh400m in first phase and the remaining three totals Ksh900m yet things are not done the way they should. There are exaggerated prices in this project as well as questionable materials used to renovate this stadium,” the Ward representative.

Nominated MCA Alex Khamasi also blamed the Governor for the mishap saying the incident will be brought to the floor of the County Assembly.

“We are going to take this matter with the seriousness it deserves. We cannot allow the Governor to joke around with our money,” Khamasi underscored.

The collapse of a part of the stadium designated as Russia stand is likely to raise the political temperatures in the County with Oparanya keen to go for a second term in office.

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football KAKAMEGA Wycliffe Oparanya Bukhungu Stadium

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