This archive report was first published on 17 October 2019.
On October 21, 2017, a helicopter plunged into Lake Nakuru, killing Pilot Apollo Malowa, Sam Gitau, Anthony Kipyegon, John Njuguna Mapozi, and Veronica Muthoni Gachuki in a tragic accident.
The families of the victims have been left in agony, waiting for compensation from the owners of the helicopter, who had initially agreed to an out-of-court settlement. However, the company has failed to honor its promise, leaving the families with no choice but to take the case back to court.
Veronica Muthoni's body was recovered from the lake on November 16, 2017, more than three weeks after the tragedy occurred. Her father, David Gachuki Mwangi, still struggles to come to terms with his loss and recalls their last conversation before the accident.
"Life without my daughter, who had started developing interest in politics, has been difficult," Mwangi said. "I long for a day when all the affected families will settle for a joint venue where annual memorial services for all the five victims will be held, instead of doing it separately at the shores of Lake Nakuru."
"Life without my daughter, who had started developing interest in politics, has been difficult. I long for a day when all the affected families will settle for a joint venue where annual memorial services for all the five victims will be held, instead of doing it separately at the shores of Lake Nakuru." - David Gachuki Mwangi, Veronica Muthoni's father The families are now calling on the government to intervene and ensure justice is served to the departed. It has been two years since the tragedy occurred, and the families are still waiting for closure.
