7-member team set up to probe crashes involving Kenyan-registered planes in S.Sudan, Somalia » Capital News
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 20 – The government has appointed a 7-member aircraft accident investigation team to review crashes involving Kenyan registered aircraft domestically and outside the country.
Transport Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, announced the formation of the team via a gazette notice number 4494, dated April 19.
Captain Peter Maranga will lead the team, with Fredrick Aggrey Opot serving as deputy.
Other members include Capt. Nduati Herman Njama, Rtd, Lt. Col. Mike Mulwa, Ephantus Kamau, Capt. Valentine Wendoh, and Capt. Martyn Lunani, with Brenda Mwango appointed as the joint secretary.
The team’s mandate includes reviewing preliminary accident reports spanning the past five years involving Kenya-registered and/or operated aircraft presented by South Sudan and Somalia,as well as investigating related matters and making recommendations to enhance aviation safety.
Additionally, they will assess air pollution in Kenya over the last three years and propose preventive measures.
CS Murkomen emphasized that the team has three months to complete its review and submit a comprehensive report.
The move follows the tragic crash of a military helicopter on Thursday, which claimed 10 lives, including Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla.
The helicopter went down shortly after takeoff in Elgeyo Marakwet’s Keben area, prompting national concern over the safety of government aircraft.
Earlier, former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga proposed setting up a commission of inquiry to probe the chopper crash.
Mutunga said Friday that such a commission should ensure public involvement to dispel any speculations regarding the cause of the crash.
“Given the tragedy that engulfs our country now, a country of rumours and ethnic divisions, it is a good idea to immediately set up a Commission of Inquiry that has robust public participation,” he said.
“An inquiry that is seen as a cover up is unacceptable.”
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