A helicopter crash in Turkana County on Sunday claimed the lives of four American nationals and Captain Mario Magonga, the pilot for Kenya's Deputy President William Ruto, according to police reports.
The incident occurred at 8 p.m. local time near Lobolo in Central Island National Park, where two helicopters had previously landed at a tented camp. One aircraft successfully departed the area, while the other crashed, leaving five fatalities, including four Americans and Magonga, a former Kenya Defence Forces pilot.
Security teams are recovering the wreckage and remains from the site, with authorities stating the investigation into the crash's cause is ongoing. Police noted that details of the deceased would be disclosed after notifying next of kin.
Magonga's relative, legislator Richard Onyonka, confirmed the pilot's helicopter disappeared from radar near Lake Turkana. A search and rescue operation located the wreckage and Magonga's body on Monday at 2 a.m. local time, with Onyonka emphasizing the pilot's role in transporting high-profile clients, including former U.S. President Barack Obama.
Magonga, based in Nairobi, worked as a chief pilot for KIDL Helicopters since March 2017, accumulating over 5,500 flight hours. The company, which specializes in aerial services, described him as a qualified instructor with extensive experience. Prior to joining KIDL, he served with Tropic Air Kenya until June 2015.
The crash adds to concerns about Kenya's air safety record, coming three weeks after a separate aircraft accident in Kericho County that killed five people.
