Previous aircraft crashes involving prominent Kenyan figures

In a series of terrible tragedies spanning two decades, many aircraft crashes have taken the lives of major Kenyan figures, including government officials, leaving the nation in mourning.

The most recent tragedy struck on Thursday, resulting in the death of Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla and several other military personnel. The aircraft crash, occurring under circumstances yet to be fully disclosed, has sent shockwaves through the nation, highlighting the inherent risks associated with air travel.

This latest incident adds to a grim history of aircraft disasters in Kenya, with one of the most significant events dating back to 2003. During a celebratory trip following the formation of the NARC coalition government, a plane carrying high-profile individuals, including then-minister Moody Awori, tragically crashed. Labour Minister Ahmad Mohammed Khalif succumbed to severe injuries upon arrival at the hospital, while Tourism Minister Raphael Tuju, Water Minister Martha Karua, and Linah Kilimo sustained critical injuries, marking a dark day in Kenyan history.

In 2006, another tragic crash claimed the lives of six Members of Parliament who were on a mission to mediate between warring communities. Deputy Leader of the Opposition Bonaya Godana and MP Mirugi Kariuki were among the casualties.

Their chopper crashed on a hill and burst into flames around Marsabit National Park in Northern Kenya.

Then Marsabit DC Mutea Iringo reported that the aircraft collided with a hill due to dense fog while nearing the airstrip outside the town.

"Following the crash, the aircraft caught fire, and the intensity of the blaze resulted in some bodies being severely burned, making identification difficult," he said.

Two years later, in 2008, Kenya mourned the loss of Roads Minister Kipkalya Kones and Home Affairs Assistant Minister Lorna Laboso in a plane crash near the Maasai Mara Game Reserve.

Their chopper was reported to have crashed into an unoccupied house killing everyone in the chopper.

Kones and Laboso were top members of the Orange Democratic Movement then.

The devastating toll of aircraft accidents in Kenya happened again in 2012 with the loss of Internal Security Minister George Saitoti and his Assistant Minister Orwa Ojode in yet another tragic crash.

The nation was once again plunged into grief as it grappled with the loss of two prominent figures in government.

Their chopper crashed at Kibiku forest in Ngong around 8.30 am and killed everyone onboard including 2 pilots and bodyguards