This archive report was first published on 20 November 2019.
On October 21, 2017, a helicopter carrying Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika's communication team crashed into Lake Nakuru, killing the pilot and all four passengers.
According to a report by Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia, the pilot, Captain Apollo Malowa, was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
CS Macharia stated, 'The report on the crash says the aircraft collided with the water surface due to loss of situation awareness by the pilot, who was under the influence of alcohol as depicted from the toxicology results.'
The report also found that Captain Malowa failed to recognize the loss of altitude, excessive banking to the left, and obstacle proximity from the aircraft.
It took Navy divers 25 days to retrieve the bodies of Captain Malowa, Ms Veronicah Muthoni, and Mr Anthony Kipyegon, but the bodies of Sam Gitau and John Mapozi were never found.
During his burial, Captain Malowa's mother described him as a hardworking, disciplined, and honest man with a promising career and future.
