This archive report was first published on 7 August 2019.
Published on August 7, 2019, a lawsuit has been filed against Boeing in the US by Kenyan families affected by the 737 Max plane crash in Ethiopia.
The crash on March 10, 2019, killed all 157 people on board, including 32 Kenyans.
Lawyers for the victims, including Kenyan-based Irungu Kang'ata and Gachie Mwanza, have sued Boeing, alleging a civil conspiracy with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to authorise an unsafe aircraft for release to the market.
According to the lawsuit, the FAA gave the authority to sign off planes as airworthy to the manufacturer, Boeing, which lacks the capacity or technical expertise to do so.
Ms Alisa Brodkowitz, a lawyer, stated, 'This is a case of the fox guarding the hen house.'
The lawyers are seeking substantial punitive damages, hinting at a 'substantial amount' to punish Boeing for its alleged actions.
Mr Kang'ata and Senator Cherargei Kiprotich have promised to hold talks with the Foreign Affairs and Interior ministries and the Attorney-General's office to facilitate the pursuit of justice for the families.
However, a relative of one of the victims, Ms Wanjiku Wairia, has faulted the government of Kenya for reneging on its promise to hire counsellors for the affected families.
