05/06/2025
On the morning of June 10, 2012, Kenya was shaken by the tragic news of a helicopter crash in the Kibiku area of Ngong Forest, claiming the lives of six individuals, including Internal Security Minister Prof. George Saitoti and his assistant minister, Joshua Orwa Ojode.
The Eurocopter AS350B3e, tail number 5Y-CDT, had departed from Wilson Airport in Nairobi, destined for a fundraising event at the Nyarongi Catholic Church in Ndhiwa Constituency, Homa Bay County. Approximately ten minutes into the flight, the helicopter crashed into the forested hills, bursting into flames upon impact. All six occupants perished, including the two pilots and two bodyguards.
In the aftermath, a commission led by Lady Justice Kalpana Rawal was established to investigate the cause of the crash. The commission's report, released in February 2013, concluded that the probable cause was a loss of control due to poor visibility. The helicopter was also found to be slightly overweight, and the pilots lacked adequate training for instrument flight conditions.
Despite these findings, questions lingered. Prof. Saitoti had been a prominent figure in Kenyan politics, having served as Vice President and holding various ministerial positions. At the time of his death, he was a leading contender for the presidency in the upcoming elections. His involvement in high-profile cases, such as the Goldenberg scandal, and his stance against drug cartels had earned him both admiration and adversaries.
The sudden change in the pilot roster on the eve of the flight, replacing senior pilots with less experienced ones, further fueled speculation. Additionally, reports of prior threats against Saitoti and alleged poisoning attempts added to the suspicions surrounding the crash.
The deaths of Prof. Saitoti and his colleagues remain a somber chapter in Kenya's history. While official reports attribute the crash to pilot error and adverse weather conditions, the circumstances have led many to question whether it was merely a tragic accident or a calculated act to silence a prominent political figure.
As Kenya continues to reflect on this event, the call for transparency and thorough investigations into such incidents remains paramount to uphold justice and accountability.
