Kenya has in the past witnessed deadly plane crashes that claimed the lives of some of the most prominent politicians.
Unknown to many, however, a number of well-known politicians have survived plane crashes that killed their colleagues. Renowned politicians who escaped deadly crashes in Kenya include:
1. Martha Karua
The NARC-Kenya party leader survived a plane crash in 2003 in Busia.
Ms Karua survived the crash after the plane she was in hit power lines and crashed shortly after taking off in Western Kenya where she and other officials had gone to celebrate the National Rainbow Coalition's (NARC) win in the 2002 General Election.
The crash occurred only a few months after former President Mwai Kibaki had inaugurated his Cabinet.
2. Raphael Tuju
The Jubilee Party Secretary General also survived a plane crash in 2002. He was flying on the same plane with Ms Karua for the NARC function.
At the time of the crash, Tuju was the Minister of Information and Communication.
3. Lina Jebii Kilimo
The former Marakwet East legislator escaped death in the same incident where she had gone to represent the Office of the Vice-President at the Busia event.
4. George Khaniri
The Vihiga County Senator was also a victim of the same crash but escaped with injuries.
Back then he was serving as the Member of Parliament for Hamisi Constituency.
5. Robinson Githae
The Ambassador of Kenya to the United States of America (USA) was also another survivor in the Busia crash.
At the time of the accident, Mr Githae was the Assistant Minister in charge of Constitutional affairs.
The accident killed three passengers that included the then Labour Minister Ahmed Khalif and two pilots.
Although the politicians survived, most of them had serious injuries and had to be airlifted to Nairobi for further treatment.
6. Orwa Ojode
Although Mr Ojode was killed in a plane accident, he had survived an earlier crash in 2009 where their plane crash-landed on buildings in Kapsabet.
The plane that was carrying 28 senior government officials landed on the buildings on a prison farm after losing power at a critical stage during lift off.
All the passengers survived but with serious injuries. Other passengers who were in the plane include; former Police Commissioner Hussein Ali, and six journalists namely Yassin Juma and Orto Sori of NTV, Antony Wanjala (KBC), Mwenda Ngugi (KTN), Karuri Nyaga (Citizen) and Kevin Kioko (Office of the President) among others.
Renowned Kenyan politics who have succumbed to plane accidents include, former Ministers George Saitoti and Kipkalya Kones, former Assitant Minister Lorna Laboso and Members of Parliament Dr Bonaya Godana (North Horr), Mr Abdi Sasura (Saku), Mr Titus Ngoyoni (Laisamis), and Dr Guracha Galgallo (Moyale).
