The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has mourned the death of two air force pilots in an air crash on Saturday, June 14, in Kwale County.
In a statement on Sunday morning, KDF confirmed that the two officers were engaged in a training activity when the Kenya Air Force Grob 120A aircraft ran into an emergency.
KDF further stated that investigation teams had been deployed to the crash scene to determine the cause of the accident.
"Yesterday, 14th June 2025, a Kenya Air Force Grob 120A aircraft experienced an emergency while on a training flight and crashed in the general area of Mwakijembe Primary School, Mafundani village, Kwale County. On board were two pilots," part of the statement read.
"With deep sadness, we confirm the passing of both pilots in the crash. The Kenya Air Force has constituted and dispatched investigation teams to establish the cause of the air crash. May the Almighty Lord rest the souls of the departed heroes in peace and grant their families fortitude at this time of deep sorrow."
However, KDF has yet to confirm the identities of the two officers who perished in the crash or the cause of the emergency itself.
On Saturday, the County Commissioner Stephen Orinde confirmed the incident after an aircraft at Ndavaya, Kinango.
"Earlier today, 14th June 2025, a Kenya Air Force Grob 120A aircraft experienced an emergency while on a training flight in the general area of Mwakijembe Primary School, Ndavaya, Kwale County. On Board were two pilots. Recovery is ongoing," added Kenya's military body.
Reportedly, the ill-fated aircraft departed Mombasa at 11:39am and was last seen near Diani before disappearing from radar. It crashed at approximately 12:06 pm, just 27 minutes after takeoff.
Images obtained by Kenyans.co.ke showed the aftermath of the crash, with the roof of the aircraft completely torn off. In the cockpit, only the seats remained, with the nose of the plane left with just spare parts.
Compared with the plane's tail, which had limited damage, the front section was completely damaged, supposedly signalling that the plane nose-dived to the ground.
Aside from the two officers, no civilian casualties were reported despite the area of the crash being populated by onlookers who milled around as emergency response teams worked to try and rescue the two pilots.
