Few hours after it emerged that Captain Mario Magonga, DP William Ruto's pilot had crashed, a host of leaders from Gusii region have mourned him as an 'accomplished pilot'

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Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka, a first cousin to the deceased, was the first one to break the news, saying that he was lost from the radar on Sunday before his body was recovered on Monday morning in Turkana.

Borabu MP Ben Momanyi described the late pilot as humble and disciplined, adding that he has flown him to several parts across the country before.

"So sad to lose such a disciplined pilot who was always humble. We shall dearly miss him. I have been his customer for some time and I have known him for many years," he said in a WhatsApp group.

Wiper politician Victor Swanya added: "A courageous young man who was also born again. It will be sad to miss him from the skies. It's a sad day in Gusii. I think he was even qualified to fly VVIPs."

Captain Magonga was a Colonel in KDF where was trained first before quitting. He comes from Kitutu Chache South and has been flying DP Ruto for a while now.

News about his death travelled first with a section of local bloggers terming the death tragic, adding that investigations should be launched forthwith.

"We should not take anything for granted. This death ought to be investigated. Sad that we have lost such a young soul," wrote Kefa Osiri, a friend to the pilot.

His death comes a time when DP Ruto is embroiled in a war of words with ODM leader Raila Odinga over war against graft, a move that could rekindle the era of conspiracy theories.

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