[The Nakuru helicopter that crashed on Saturday. Opposition leader Raila Odinga has confirmed one of the victim was his close relative. Photo/Nation]
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has confirmed that the pilot of the ill-fated Nakuru aircraft, Apollo Malowa, was a close relative to his family.
Five people are feared dead in the helicopter that crashed into Lake Nakuru on Saturday morning, but none of their bodies have been recovered by rescuers.
Confirming his close ties with the pilot, Odinga revealed that Malowe has airlifted him a couple of times in his official duty as pilot.
“The pilot of the ill-fated aircraft, Captain Apollo Malowa, was known to me personally and his family and mine are related,” read part of Odinga’s statement.
“He had flown me a few times in my travels across the country. Always charming, he was dedicated to his job,” added Odinga.
It has also emerged that Malowa had flown President Uhuru Kenyatta, John Magufuli, and Yoweri Museveni among other leaders.
Last year, Malowe hit news headlines when he landed on Bondo – Siaya busy highway with Mr. Odinga on board.