The family of Mario Magonga, the pilot of a helicopter that crashed in Turkana County on February 3, 2019, described him as a dedicated provider and community-minded individual.
Magonga, who served as Deputy President William Ruto's pilot, died in the accident that claimed five lives. His mother, Melania Magonga, shared that her son had promised to build her a home in Kitale, where the family lived in a rented residence. She recounted waking to an ominous feeling before receiving the tragic news.
"Before the news reached me in the morning my body was telling me that something was terribly wrong but was not expecting news of death," she said.
Magonga's sister, Gladys, revealed the family learned of his role with the deputy president only after the crash. "I knew he was a pilot but did not know he was attached to the Deputy President," she stated. The family requested support to complete projects Magonga had initiated and to care for his three children.
Local authorities confirmed the crash occurred near Central Island National Park in Lake Turkana. Turkana County Deputy Commissioner Alexander Motivo noted two aircraft were observed approaching Lobolo Tented Camp before one disappeared. The wreckage and bodies were recovered on February 4, 2019.
