Deputy President William Ruto is mourning the demise of his pilot Captain Mario Magonga, who was involved in a plane crash at Labolo in Central Island National Park, Turkana County on Sunday.
The cause of the crash remains unclear. Leaders and Kenyans have continued to send their messages of condolences to the family of the deceased as investigations into the cause kick off.
The deceased, Captain Mario Magonga, was a relative to Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka. The death of DP Ruto’s pilot is one of the most tragic plane crashes in the history of this nation.
Magonga died together with four Americans who were travelling to an undisclosed destination.
Here is a look at some of the worst plane accidents in the history of this nation.
1. Internal Security Minister George Saitoti and his assistant Orwa Ojode
The death of internal security minister George Saitoti and his assistant Orwa Ojode shook this nation. Saitoti had threatened to release a dossier that could have shaken Kenya before he died under unclear circumstances following an airplane crash.
The two died alongside their bodyguards Joshua Tongei and Thomas Murimi. The pilots of the plane Luke Oyugi and Nancy Gituanja also died.
2. Veteran politician Bonaya Godana
In April 2006, Kenya was left mourning after a plane carrying five Members of Parliament crashed in Marsabit leaving all of them dead. Those who perished during the incident included veteran politician Bonaya Godana, the Assistant Minister for Regional Development Authorities Titus Ngoyoni, his internal security counterpart Mirugi Kariuki, and legislators; Guracha Galgallo Boru, and Abdi Sasura.
3. Agriculture Minister Bruce Mackenzie in Kenyatta’s government
In 1978, Mackenzie was the only white man in the government formed by the founding father of the nation Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. The minister died after a plane that he had boarded crashed in Ngong’ Hills.
4. Bomet Constituency MP Kipkalya Kones
Bomet Constituency MP Kipkalya Kones met his death on 10 June 2008 after a plane he had boarded with Assistant Minister of Home Affairs Lorna Laboso crashed. The plane crashed just 20 minutes after leaving the ground in Kajonga in Enoosupukia near Narok. The minister, MP, pilot, and bodyguard perished.
5. Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika’s aides
In October 2017, Kenyans were left in deep shock after a plane carrying five passengers crashed in Lake Nakuru. The accident claimed the lives of everyone who was on board. Among those who died during the crash were pilot Apolo Malowa, Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika’s aides; Sam Gitau John Mapozi, Anthony Kipyegon, and Veronica Muthoni, who was a university student at the time of the accident.
6. Barbra Wangeci
Although many Kenyans did not know Barbra Wangeci, her death in 2018 left many in deep shock. Wangeci, who was flying an ill-fated plane died in June last year after her plane crashed in the Aberdares. Kenyans eulogized the pilot following the news of her demise.