[Captain Apollo Malowe with Raila Odinga in a past event. He is believed to have airlifted tens of dignitaries before Saturday’s fatal crash. Photo/Le Makwiny]
Although names of Lake Nakuru helicopter tragedy victims are yet to be established, initial reports indicate that Ex – Kenya Air force Captain, Apollo Malowe was in charge at the time of the ill-fated crash.
A statement from Kenya Civil Aviation said that there were no signs of survivors even though rescue operations are still ongoing at the site of the crash.
Multiple sources claim that Captain Malowe, who was in charge of the Flex Air Charters helicopter, had been contracted before to airlift various dignitaries among them opposition leader Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“In 2007, Apollo was Odinga’s pilot throughout campaigns and even when he became Prime Minister,” said a source, who is privy to Odinga’s programs.
Another source from Orange House who spoke in confidence added: “From 2013, he has been working with President Kenyatta and William Ruto and is considered among the best pilots.”
Other dignitaries who have been airlifted by Apollo include presidents Magufuli Pombe (Tanzania), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Businessman Jimmy Wanjigi, Musalia Mudavadi among others.
Nakuru senator Susan Kihika revealed that a three of the occupants belonged to her media team that was also taking part in Uhuru’s campaigns.
Last year, Apollo hit headlines when he landed in the busy Bondo – Siaya highway to greet his mother while Odinga was on board.