British-Nigerian singer Gabzy has finally spoken publicly following the death of 20-year-old Kenyan fan Karen Lojore, who died after sustaining injuries during a stampede outside a concert venue in Nairobi where the artist was performing.
The incident occurred in December during the Asake and Gabzy Live in Nairobi concert held at Nyayo National Stadium. Reports indicate that a large crowd surge developed outside the stadium as fans attempted to gain entry, leading to chaos, injuries, and the fatal incident involving Lojore. The tragedy happened before Gabzy went on stage.
In the days following the concert, questions mounted online regarding crowd control, security arrangements, and accountability from event organisers. Gabzy initially remained silent publicly, prompting criticism from sections of the public who expected a statement from the artist. He later addressed the matter in a direct message response to a fan.
In the message, Gabzy expressed deep distress over the incident and said he was still seeking answers about what went wrong. He acknowledged the emotional impact of the tragedy on himself and on the victim’s loved ones.
“I’m also searching for the same answers. This has affected me to the point that I don’t think I’d ever do another show in Kenya again, so I can only imagine how it has affected her family and friends,” Gabzy said.
He further confirmed that he had made contact with individuals close to the deceased, including her mother, and expressed solidarity with those demanding accountability.
“I’ve spoken to some friends and her mum. I’m with you and hope the answers come to light soon,” he added.
Karen Lojore’s death sparked national debate in Kenya around crowd safety, event organisation, and the responsibility of promoters and venue managers during large-scale concerts. According to reports, Lojore had a valid ticket for the show and was attempting to access the venue when the stampede occurred.
Eyewitness accounts described long queues, delayed entry, and congestion at access points as contributing factors. Several other attendees were reportedly injured during the incident.
Following the tragedy, Lojore’s family, particularly her mother, publicly demanded explanations on how the incident occurred and why adequate safety measures failed. Calls for investigations intensified, with many Kenyans urging authorities to hold organisers accountable and review safety protocols for major entertainment events.
The tragedy also revived comparisons to a previous crowd-related incident associated with an Asake concert in London in 2022, further intensifying scrutiny around crowd management at high-profile music events.