High-ranking state officials have tragically lost their lives in aircraft accidents within Kenya, involving both privately-owned and military helicopters. These incidents have left a somber imprint on the nation’s political landscape and its disciplined forces, prompting scrutiny into safety protocols and operational standards. Today, April 18, 2024, the Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla and 11 others crashed in Kaben, Marakwet East, Elgeyo Marakwet County. The aircraft burst into flames upon impact shortly after departing from a local primary school.
Former Eastern Provincial Commissioner Ishmael Chelang’a met his demise in a helicopter crash in Marsabit in 1996. Similarly, on June 10, 2012, the then Internal Security Minister George Saitoti, along with his assistant minister Orwa Ojode, perished in a police chopper crash. This incident, occurring just 10 minutes after takeoff from Wilson Airport, was part of their journey for a Harambee event in Ndhiwa, Homa Bay County.
These incidents are not isolated occurrences. On June 10, 2008, former Roads Minister Kipkalya Kones and Sotik MP Lorna Laboso lost their lives in a plane crash in Narok. Similarly, on April 10, 2006, a military cargo plane crashed in Marsabit while carrying a high-level Kenyan delegation on a peace mission, resulting in the loss of 14 lives, including five MPs.
The list tragically extends further. On January 24, 2003, Labour Minister Ahmed Khalif perished in a plane crash in Busia, while on July 7, 1996, Ishmael Chelang’a lost his life in a helicopter crash in Marsabit.
These incidents underscore the importance of stringent safety measures within Kenya’s airspace, as the nation mourns the loss of these esteemed figures and reflects on the impact of these tragedies.
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