Panic erupted on Friday, December 12, during the Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium when a military jet thundered dangerously low over the crowd, startling President William Ruto and other dignitaries.

Windows shattered, walls cracked, and thousands of shillings in damages were reported in the nearby Nairobi West.

Residents are demanding government compensation, saying the jet flew lower than ever before, causing destruction never seen during past flyovers.

Basabra Basabra, a Nairobi West resident, said they experienced some blasts, and glass started breaking.

“Imagine out of the blue you just hear some big noise, maybe like a blast, and your glasses break suddenly. So far, I don’t think there is damage health wise or injuries, but it causes people a lot to repair the glasses,” Basabra said.

KDF Jets Fly Low

Residents insist this was unusual, adding that the low height of the plane caused damage and reportedly sparked fear among those of frail condition.

“We want people to consider the safety procedures. I think this damage was caused because the jets flew lower than expected,” he added.

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Residents are now demanding safety guarantees and compensation to prevent future incidents.

“We hope our government considers the damages and compensates us for what happened. People were frightened instead of being happy and celebrating today,” he said.

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Safety Procedures

Basabra said the government should implement safety procedures to ensure no one is harmed and property is not damaged when the jet flies over the residential areas.

“There are safety procedures regarding the jets passing by, making sure no one is harmed.  It’s a day for celebration. It’s not a day for people being sad or any injuries,” he said.

“We don’t know, maybe some injuries may be fatal, you know, people might mourn regarding that matter. We want it to be a really celebratory day. “

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President William Ruto at Nyayo Stadium addressing mourners. PHOTO/DN