George Saitoti and Orwa Ojode killed as police helicopter crashes and burns in Ngong

Internal Security Minister George Saitoti and his assistant Orwa Ojode are feared dead after a helicopter crashed in Ngong and their bodies burned beyond recognition. The police helicopter crashed at Kibiku in Ngong and all the occupants burnt to death.

Those confirmed dead are Orwa Ojode, George Saitoti, Pilots (Nancy Gituanja and Luke Oyugi), Bodyguards (Inspector Tongei & Thomas Murimi).. According to sources on the ground, Prime Minister Raila Odinga has confirmed that he has received news of Internal Security Minister George Saitoti and Ass. Min. Orwa Ojode’s deaths in plane crash. Ojode and Saitoti were headed to a funds drive in Ndhiwa at Nyarongi Catholic Church.

 In May 2009, Ojode survived another chopper crash in Kapsabet township. He was then accompanied by the then former Police Commissioner Hussein Ali, and former Rift Valley PC Hassan Noor Hassan. A number of journalists were also involved. In this instance, Saitoti was supposed to have been on the same flight but he took a different one. He was leading the delegation.

According to eyewitnesses in Ngong, the plane was seen going round and round before it crashed. They also said that the helicopter crashed into the forest and there was visibility issues. They said it was around 8.45am. The eyewitnesses said that the plane is completely burnt and only the propeller is somewhat intact. They say nobody on the ground was injured.

Police commissioner Matthew Iteere is said headed to the scene. Reports indicate that the top cop was supposed to be on the same flight but missed his flight from Mombasa. Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has joined Mr Iteere at the scene of the crash. PM Raila Odinga who is in Nakuru has cancelled his ODM Reloaded meetings saying we have lost great statesmen.

The ill-fated helicopter was acquired in January 2012 from Eurocopter Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd – ESAL.

Source: Jambo Newspot

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