The country has been thrown into a mourning mood following a plane crash at Kibiku area in Ngong forest that claimed the lives of Internal Security Minister Prof George Saitoti and his adjutant Joshua Orwa Ojode in an early Sunday morning accident.
The two who were heading for a fundraiser at Homa Bay County at Ojode’s home yard in Ndhiwa Constituency, were reported dead together with their bodyguards, who were identified as Inspector Joshua Tonkei and Sergeant Thomas Murimi, as well as pilots Captain Nancy Gituanja and Captain Luke Oyugi, after the helicopter they were travelling in crashed with all occupants perishing in the tragic accident.
According to eye witnesses, the plane was seen diving from the sky, full of smoke, and hurtled before tumbling down with a thud and bursting into flames, leaving the bodies charred beyond recognition.
“The Chopper was filled with smoke before it crashed. I heard two explosions as it went up in flames,” said an eye witness.
The helicopter bought 3 months ago following an open and competitive tender won earlier this year by Eurocopter Southern Africa according to a tweet by NTV’s Ferdinand Omondi, and bore registration number AS350B3e, was a police copter that Prof Saitoti had used to calm animosity two weeks ago between two warring communities in his Kajiado North Constituency.
Among those who visited the scene were Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Police Commisioner Matthew Iteere. In sombre mood, the VP described the day as a “dark one.”
“Tragedy has struck the country and I bring the condolences of the President Kibaki to the families and all Kenyans. It is a dark day as we pray for the selfless colleagues who have died,” said the VP.
Other top government officials among them Speaker of the National Assembly Kenneth Marende, AP Commandant Kinuthia Mbugua, PPO Nairobi Area Anthony Kibuchi visited the death front, urging Kenyans to remember the families of the departed heroes in their prayers.
The death happened barely two days after the Kajiado North lawmaker delivered a passionate speech in the just concluded peace forum in Mombasa, where he assured the other legislators and Kenyans that the imminent general elections would be peaceful.
Among the dignitaries who send their condolences to the bereaved families were British government Foreign Secretary William Hague who said: “I was extremely saddened to learn of the death of Kenya’s Minister for Provincial Administration and Internal Security, Professor George Saitoti along with his Assistant Minister Orwa Ojode and the other Kenyans travelling with them this morning. On behalf of the British Government, I wish to extend my deepest condolences. My thoughts are with their families and friends, and the people of Kenya, as they come to terms with this tragedy. ”
The demise comes exactly four years after another plane crash claimed the death of former Roads Minister Kipkalya Kones and Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Home Affairs Lorna Laboso.
The two were killed while heading to a campaign rally during the by-election for Ainamoi Constituency on June 10, 2008, when the light aircraft they were travelling in crashed into a building in Kajong’a market near Nairagie Enkare in Narok County, about 120 kilometres west of Nairobi.
The bodies were taken to Lee Funeral Home for postmortem. Meanwhile President Mwai Kibaki has declared three days of mourning as a way of paying homage to the deceased statesmen with flags expected to fly half mast.
In his condolence message, the president he said: “”The deaths of the six Kenyans is a devastating loss to our country. On behalf of the Government and the people of Kenya I send my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and relatives of the six Kenyans. Minister Saitoti will forever be remembered as a hardworking and determined public servant who dedicated his time to the service of the Kenyan people,” said President Kibaki.
“The Hon Orwa Ojode will be remembered for his focused approach while undertaking his duties with great zeal and determination as an Assistant Minister and the Member of Parliament for Ndhiwa Constituency,” said the President.
The president has also called a special cabinet meeting today at 10.00 a.m at KICC VIP Room which is expected to come up with burial plans for the deceased ministers.
