Kenyan ministers Saitoti, Ojode killed in plane crash

By Cyrus Ombati

Internal Security Minister George Saitoti (left) and Assistant Minister Orwa Ojode killed in Ngong plane crash. (Photo:File/Standard)

Internal Security Minister Prof George Saitoti and his assistant minister Joshua Orwa Ojodeh are among six people who died in a police helicopter crash Sunday morning in Ngong area on the outskirts of Nairobi.

Saitoti and  Orwa Ojode were aboard the helicopter make -Eurocopter AS 350 which crashed shortly after 9am in Kibiku area in Ngong. The two leaders, their bodyguards and the two pilots perished in the accident. The helicopter is said to have exploded on impact.

The pilots were identified as Captain Nancy Gituanja and Captain Luke Oyugi. Saitoti and Ojode bodyguards, inspector Joshua Tonkei and  sergeant Thomas Murimi also died in the accident.

The Vice President Kalonzo  and Commissioner of Police Matthew Iteere said investigations have been launched  to establish the cause of the accident.

"Tragedy has struck the country and I bring the the condelences of President Kibaki to the families and all Kenyans. It is a dark day as we pray for the souls of the selfless colleagues who have died," Kalonzo said.

The Chopper left early in the morning from Wilson Aiport and was headed towards Ndhiwa in Homabay County before the tragedy occured.

The bodies of the deceased have been taken to Lee Funeral Home.

Parts of the wreckage scene including pistols were visvible at the crash scene.

Military police arrived at the scene as well as top government officials among them Speaker of the National Assembly  Kenneth Marende, AP Commandant Kinuthia Mbugua, PPO Nairobi Area Anthony Kibuchi.