The family of Mario Magonga, a pilot linked to Deputy President William Ruto, shared poignant memories of the man who died in a plane crash in Turkana, describing him as dedicated and deeply passionate about his work.
Magonga, 45, died in the accident that claimed all aboard the aircraft, leaving his family devastated. His wife, Melania Magonga, recalled feeling an ominous premonition before the tragedy, though she never anticipated the loss of her husband.
"Before the news broke that morning, I felt a heavy heart and body, sensing something bad was coming, but I never thought it would be death," Melania said, according to a statement to KNA.
Magonga had recently planned to build a home for his family in Kitale, where he had purchased land. His wife described his unwavering commitment to his family and career, noting that his passing left a profound void.
The plane crash occurred in the Central Island National Park at 2 a.m., with no survivors. Gladys Magonga, the pilot's sister, revealed the family learned of the tragedy at 10:30 a.m. when a call from his wife in Nairobi confirmed the news.
Gladys emphasized the family's shock upon discovering the pilot's connection to the deputy president, stating, "I only knew he was a pilot, but I didn't realize he was Deputy President Ruto's pilot." She later requested the vice president to intervene in ongoing projects he had initiated, including supporting their three children.
Emergency teams recovered the plane wreckage and remains of the deceased on Tuesday morning. The victims were returning from a trip to the Lobolo Tented Camp when the accident occurred.
