8 Azimio leaders escape unhurt after plane tyre bursts at Kakuma airstrip

The 5Y-SPZ light aircraft had a rear tyre burst. [Twitter, @AbdiweliDuale1]

Eight people escaped unhurt after the plane they were travelling in veered off the runway during take-off at Kakuma airstrip in Turkana County.

Turkana County Police Commander Samwel Ndanyi confirmed the accident saying no casualties were reported.

The aircraft is said to belong to the Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga's campaign team. It was transporting members of the campaign team who had been campaigning in the region.

The 5Y-SPZ light aircraft had a rear tyre burst which led to the pilot losing control of the plane. It veered off the road and landed in a ditch. It was meant to fly to Nairobi.

The plane was carrying some politicians who accompanied Raila on his tour to Turkana county to sell the Azimo agenda.

Raila through his official social media handle confirmed that he was not on board the aircraft during the incident.

“We thank God the Almighty that nobody was injured in an aircraft that was carrying members of our team that had a mishap at the Kakuma Airstrip. I wasn't on board the said aircraft myself. Let us continue praying for the safety of all leaders as we continue with the campaigns,” Raila tweeted.

The Azimio presidential candidate held campaign rallies in Turkana East, Turkana West, Lokichar and later in the evening at Lodwar town.

Raila's communication team remained coy on the identity of the passengers, only maintaining that they were safe and had been flown out using helicopters.