Seven Kenyans die in stampede

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP): Seven fans died from a stampede while trying to get into a stadium hosting a football match between two of Kenya's most popular teams, the Kenya Red Cross said yesterday.

Six people died when they were run over by the crowd outside Nyayo National Stadium, and one more died after being taken to Kenyatta National Hospital, said Red Cross spokesman Titus Mungo'u.

Jack Oguda, CEO of the Kenya Premier League, said he could not understand why fans couldn't get in properly because the stadium wasn't full.

"A gate was broken into by fans forcing their way into the stadium," Oguda said.

"Access was limited and they got agitated and that's why they forced their way in.

"We'll start an inquiry into the matter to establish why fans could not access the stadium."

Zedekiah Otieno, the coach of Gor Mahia, which beat AFC Leopards 1-0 in the stadium, said, "management should ensure that gates are open on time to avoid a mad rush to the stadium during games of this magnitude".