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Standard Reporter
Fourteen people have been confirmed dead after a Kenya Airforce plane crashed into a hill in Marsabit today.
Police say only four passengers survived. The four, who sustained serious injuries, have been airlifted to Nairobi for specialised treatment. They are Eastern Provincial Commissioner Patrick Onsare, Moyale District Commissioner Peter King’olane, the pilot of the ill-fated plane and one crew member.
Reports, however, indicate that one of the survivors has died on the way to Nairobi. Identities of the dead have been withheld until the next of kin are informed.
Among those on board the plane were Assistant Ministers Mirugi Kariuki and Titus Nguyoni and MPs Bonaya Godana, Abdi Sasura and Guracha Galgalo. The
leaders had flown to Marsabit for a peace meeting. Marsabit District
Commissioner, Mutea Iringo, said the plane disintegrated on impact and
burst into flames.
The
Minister of State for Defence, Njenga Karume, said the Y-12 military
plane crashed as it approached Marsabit airstrip. It was ferrying 17
people, among them Government officials and local leaders, to Marsabit.
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Similar Y-12 Plane that crashed in Marsabit
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In
a statement, Karume said a search and rescue team had been sent to the
area. Two military planes have been dispatched to the scene to ferry
the victims and survivors to Nairobi.
Cabinet
ministers John Michuki and Njenga Karume, and Police Commissioner
Major-General Hussein Ali have flown to the scene of the crash.
Earlier, President
Mwai Kibaki expressed shock and concern following the crash. In his
message, the President said he had received the news with shock and
disbelief especially bearing in mind that the officials were on a
mission to broker peace in the region.
Kibaki
said the Government has mounted a swift operation to assist in rescue
and evacuation. He wished those injured in the accident quick recovery.
The President urged Kenyans, especially the families and relatives of
those who were on board the plane, to remain calm and firm in prayer.
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