Former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo is mourning Captain Mario Magonga who perished in a helicopter crash on Sunday night.
Magonga, who was Deputy President William Ruto's pilot, died after the chopper he was flying crashed at Central Island National Park in Lake Turkana.
The accident also claimed the lives of four US citizens who were on board en route to Nairobi after touring Lobolo Tented Camp located in the area.
Kabogo eulogised Magonga as a "very polite and professional pilot", noting he had served as his pilot in the past.
"My heartfelt condolences to the family of Captain Mario Magonga. May The Lord God console you at this very difficult time of grief. I knew Magonga well as a very polite disciplined and professional pilot, he worked for me for quite a while. May his soul rest In eternal peace," he tweeted on Monday.
Magonga who was in his early forties acquired his flying skills at the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) where he once served in the rank of Colonel before quitting to join private practice.
He was a cousin to Kitutu Chache South Member of Parliament Richard Onyonka who has called for speedy investigations.
Hundreds of Kenyans have sent their condolences to the family and friends of the ex-military pilot.
"May the soul of Captain Mario Magonga and those of his four passengers RIP (Rest in peace)," tweeted Philip Etale, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) director of communications.
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