Tragic end to Flight KAF132 in Marsabit » Capital News
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 10 — Today marks exactly 18 years since 14 people, including six Kibaki-era officials and Members of Parliament on a peace mission to Marsabit perished following a crash involving a Chinese-built Kenyan Air Force (KAF) Harbin Y-12 aircraft operating as KAF132.
Only three people survived out of the 17 who were aboard the ill-fated aircraft during the April 10, 2006 crash, which was blamed on poor visibility and bad weather.
The incident occurred around 10am when the aircraft unexpectedly ended its flight over the Marsabit National Park while on final approach to its destinations.
Among those who died were North Horr Constituency legislator Bonaya Godana, Moyale MP Guracha Galgallo, Saku MP Abdi Sasura, Laisamis MP Titus Ngoyoni, Abdullahi Adan, member of the East African parliament, and Mirugi Kariuki who served as the assistant minister for internal security.
While reflecting on the legacy of those who died, Marsabit Women representative and the deputy Majority Chief Whip of National Assembly Naomi Waqo on Wednesday said their “selfless contributions will forever be etched in our hearts.”
She called on Kenyans to draw lessons from their contributions while they were alive to advocate for peace across the country.
“Let us draw inspiration from their courage and commitment as we continue their work towards a united and prosperous Kenya,” Waqo said, noting that they served the country with unwavering dedication.
“May their souls rest in eternal peace and may their memory fuel our efforts towards building a peaceful society in Marsabit county.”
The tragic crash remains one of the most devastating air accidents in the country’s history.
Notably, it was not the first plane crash involving senior government officials.
In January 2003, a private plane crash in western Kenya claimed the lives of a minister and two pilots, while three other government ministers survived.
Following a public inquiry into the incident, recommendations were made to limit the number of Cabinet ministers or senior government officials traveling on a single plane to mitigate such risks in the future
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