Plane Crash In Kenya Kills Ministers Saitoti and Ojode

We would like to join our fellow Kenyans during this dark moment of our beloved country in morning the two cabinet ministers and other 4 Kenyans who perished in the 9am morning plane crash in Ngong Hills.

Saitoti and  Orwa Ojode were aboard the helicopter make -Eurocopter AS 350 which crashed shortly after 9am in Kibiku area in Ngong. The two leaders, their bodyguards and the two pilots perished in the accident. The helicopter is said to have exploded on impact.

President of Kenya Mwai Kibaki describes their death as devastating loss to the country and the Minister Saitoti and his deputy Orwa Ojode will be remembered for the reach service to the country.

The pilots were identified as Captain Nancy Gituanja and Captain Luke Oyugi. Saitoti and Ojode bodyguards, inspector Joshua Tonkei and  sergeant Thomas Murimi also died in the accident.

According to eye witnesses, the plane was seen going round and round before a loud bang. The Red cross officials at the plane crash scene confirmed that all the bodies on the plane were burnt beyond recognition.

The Vice President Kalonzo  and Commissioner of Police Matthew Iteere said investigations have been launched  to establish the cause of the accident.

The Chopper left early in the morning from Wilson Aiport and was headed towards Ndhiwa in Homabay County before the tragedy occurred.

It’s suspected that the plane crash was caused by the nature of the flying zone being a thick forest. The Cabinet Minister and His Colleague were headed for an official visit in Ndiwa constituency, Orwa Ojodes home.

Parts of the wreckage scene including pistols were visible at the crash scene.
Military police arrived at the scene as well as top government officials among them Speaker of the National Assembly  Kenneth Marende, AP Commandant Kinuthia Mbugua, PPO Nairobi Area Anthony Kibuchi.

The PM Raila Odinga cancelled the Rally that was scheduled for Sunday Morning to join other government officials at the accident scene.

Similar plane accident happened the same day four years ago claiming lives of senior officials in Kenya Government including Roads Minister Kipkalya Kones and Lorna Loboso on 10th June, 2008.  

Many international radio and TV stations have aired the breaking news. One of the Aljazeera correspondents shared that there is a possibility of foul play since the Minister had declared to run for presidential elections in the next general elections in Kenya.

The bodies of the deceased have been taken to Lee Funeral Home. 

May the Lord give their families strength and bless our beloved country.