•April 10, 2006 – April 10, 2025
Today, Kenya solemnly marks the 19th anniversary of one of its darkest and most tragic days in aviation and national history — the 2006 Marsabit air crash that claimed the lives of 13 distinguished leaders and peace ambassadors in the misty hills of Kofia Mbaya, on the outskirts of Marsabit town.
A Mission of Peace Ends in Tragedy
On the morning of April 10, 2006, a Kenya Air Force Harbin Y-12 aircraft departed from Nairobi, ferrying a high-powered delegation of Members of Parliament and regional peace stakeholders on a mission to resolve deep-rooted inter-ethnic conflict in northern Kenya.
The leaders were headed to Marsabit town to mediate long-standing tensions among warring communities — a mission that would tragically become their last.
As the aircraft approached the Kofia Mbaya hills, it encountered thick fog, poor visibility, and rugged terrain — treacherous conditions that led to the fatal crash.
All 13 passengers aboard perished, leaving behind a nation in mourning and a gaping void in leadership and regional peacebuilding efforts.
The Fallen: A Roll Call of National Heroes
Among those who lost their lives were all four elected Members of Parliament from Marsabit County at the time — a devastating blow that brought the county’s political leadership to a sudden halt:
- Hon. Dr. Bonaya Godana – North Horr MP and Assistant Minister for Education
- Hon. Dr. Guracha Boru Galgallo – Moyale MP
- Hon. Abdi Tari Sasura – Saku MP
- Hon. Titus Ngoyoni – Laisamis MP
Also aboard were respected peace advocates and public servants:
- Hon. Mirugi Kariuki – Assistant Minister for Internal Security and MP for Nakuru Town
- Bishop William Waqo – Clergyman and community peacebuilder
- Abdullah Adan – Regional peace facilitator
- Thomas Chigamba – Government official
- John Ouma – Security officer
- Peter Kingola – Pilot
- Joseph Njogu – Co-pilot
- David Njoroge – Aircraft technician
- Yusuf Guyo – Peace committee member
These individuals were not just leaders — they were symbols of hope, unity, and determination for a region plagued by cycles of violence. Their dedication to peace transcended politics, ethnicity, and personal interest.
A Nation Mourns
In the immediate aftermath, President Mwai Kibaki declared three days of national mourning, during which flags flew at half-mast across the country. Tributes poured in from all corners of the nation and beyond.
The shock was particularly profound in Marsabit County, where the loss of all elected MPs created a leadership vacuum and amplified fears of instability.
Beyond the grief, the nation recognized the crash as a tragic reminder of the risks borne by peacemakers, especially those who work in fragile and volatile environments.
Investigations and Lessons Learned
A government investigation attributed the crash primarily to adverse weather conditions, poor visibility, and the difficult mountainous terrain of the Marsabit region.
These findings sparked broader discussions on the state of aviation safety in Kenya, especially in relation to military and government flights to remote regions.
Key recommendations included:
- Upgrading aviation infrastructure and navigational aids in remote airstrips
- Enhancing pilot training for low-visibility and mountainous operations
- Equipping aircraft with modern flight instruments for terrain awareness and collision avoidance
Though some reforms were initiated, concerns about aircraft safety — particularly in marginal and under-served areas — persist to this day.
A Legacy That Lives On
Nineteen years later, the memories of the fallen leaders continue to echo through the hills of Marsabit and beyond.
Annual memorials, prayers, and commemorations are held in their honor, not only to remember their tragic passing but also to reflect on their shared vision for a united and peaceful northern Kenya.
Their work laid the foundation for subsequent peace initiatives and inter-community dialogues that helped stabilize parts of Marsabit in the years that followed.
Schools, roads, and buildings bear their names — but more importantly, their legacy lives on in the pursuit of peace and development they championed.
In Loving Memory
As the nation pauses to remember, let us hold dear the sacrifice and commitment of these heroes of peace.
Let their memory be a call to action for current and future leaders to continue the mission they began — to heal, unite, and uplift every corner of our great nation.
May their souls continue to rest in eternal peace.
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