A funeral ceremony in the Mile 46 area of Kajiado West was abruptly disrupted when a strong gust of wind swept through the venue, leaving three people injured. The incident occurred during the burial of the late Paul ole Kipapei, where mourners had gathered under tents to pay their final respects.
The powerful wind suddenly blew across the area, toppling tents and scattering chairs as mourners ran for safety. One of the tents collapsed, trapping several people underneath. Two women and one man who had been seated under that tent sustained injuries during the commotion. Witnesses said one woman was seriously hurt after being struck by a tent pole as she tried to flee the collapsing structure.
The injured victims were quickly rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, while others remained at the scene in shock. The sudden storm temporarily halted the burial proceedings, forcing organizers and family members to pause the ceremony as they assessed the damage and ensured the safety of mourners.
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Local residents described the wind as unusually strong and destructive, saying it lifted objects off the ground and tore through the funeral setup within seconds. The incident caused panic and confusion, with mourners scattering in different directions before calm was eventually restored.
After emergency response teams and community members helped stabilize the situation, the burial resumed later in the afternoon once safety checks had been made. Despite the scare, mourners went on to complete the ceremony, expressing gratitude that the injuries were not fatal.
The incident has drawn attention to the growing frequency of sudden weather changes in Kajiado County, where unexpected windstorms and dust devils have recently become common. Residents are urging event organizers to take precautionary measures such as securing tents and avoiding open fields during windy conditions to prevent similar accidents in the future.
By Benedict Aoya
