13 Pupils Killed in Stampede at Kakamega Primary School, over 30 Seriously Injured

At least 13 pupils were killed and more than 30 others seriously wounded following a stampede at Kakamega Primary School on Monday evening.

The pupils were reportedly leaving their classes heading home when the stampede happened on a staircase at around 5.30 pm, according to Kakamega Central OCPD David Kabena. Kebena added that 39 leaners sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Kakamega County Referral Hospital for treatment.

Peris Kimani, the Western Region Police Commander said 20 pupils were treated at the county's referral hospital and discharged.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that a teacher at the school was beating some pupils, forcing their colleagues to hurriedly run down a stairway and in the process, some fell and were trampled to death.

It was reported that some pupils fell from the third floor of a building as they ran out of class.

In a statement on Twitter, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga called for a thorough probe into the tragedy.

"I wish a quick recovery to the injured children and pray that God grant strength to the affected families. There must be an immediate and thorough probe to get to the bottom of this incident," Raila tweeted.