Families of three victims who tragically lost their lives in a light aircraft accident near Malindi International Airport are calling for compensation. The ill-fated Cessna 174 plane, en route to Wilson Airport in Nairobi, crashed in the Kwa Chocha area of Kilifi County, claiming the lives of two motorcycle riders and a pillion passenger. The three plane occupants survived with minor injuries.
Among the deceased was 36-year-old Felix Khamisi, a founding member of the Ganda Boda Boda Sacco (GABBSA). Khamisi leaves behind a widow, Loyce Neema Reuben, and two children, aged seven and one and a half years. Reuben expressed her devastation, lamenting the challenges ahead as a young widow with no source of income. “My children keep asking about their father. I don’t know how to explain or provide for them. If the government could help educate them, it would ease my pain,” she said.
Ganda Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Oscar Wanje called on the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) to compensate the victims’ families. Wanje also urged the government to prioritize the expansion of Malindi Airport’s runway, citing its short length as a potential factor in the crash. “This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call. A larger aircraft could cause a greater disaster,” he warned.
Lucas Mwambogo Ngumbao, Khamisi’s uncle, confirmed that the postmortem revealed fatal injuries caused by the plane. “The aircraft struck his head and ribs, damaging his heart, while the pillion passenger suffered severe head injuries,” he explained.
Assistant Chief Ann Ziro urged boda boda riders to organize their fundraising efforts respectfully, warning against blocking roads and disrupting traffic. “Let us mourn respectfully and follow proper procedures for fundraising,” she said.
The incident has reignited concerns over safety at Malindi Airport and raised pressing questions about the government’s role in supporting the victims’ families and addressing infrastructure shortcomings. Families await justice and hope the tragedy spurs action to prevent future accidents.
