2012 Kenya Police helicopter crash
| Industry | Law enforcement aviation |
|---|---|
| Founded | January 2012 |
| Headquarters | Nairobi , Kenya |
| Products | Helicopter air support |
On 10 June 2012, a Eurocopter AS350 operated by the Kenya Police crashed close to Nairobi, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals on board, including Interior Security Minister George Saitoti and Assistant Minister Joshua Orwa Ojode.
Background
The helicopter was traveling from Nairobi to Ratang’a village located in Ndhiwa Constituency, Homa Bay County. Ministers Saitoti—who had announced his intention to run for president—and Ojode were heading to a fundraising gathering at Nyarongi Catholic Church. Local authorities informed the church attendees and family members of their passing, which deeply affected those waiting for their arrival.
Accident
The aircraft departed from Wilson Airport carrying two Kenya Police pilots and four passengers, comprising the two ministers and two police bodyguards. Radio communication was lost five minutes after departure at 8:32 am, and the helicopter vanished from radar at 8:42 am. It crashed in the Kibiku area of Ngong Forest, where the ensuing fire destroyed the helicopter completely, leaving no survivors. Transport Minister Amos Kimunya confirmed that weather conditions were clear with good visibility at the time.
Aircraft
The helicopter involved was a Eurocopter AS350B3e Ecureuil (registration 5Y-CDT), produced in 2011. Before joining the Kenya Police in January 2012, it had accumulated fewer than 100 flight hours and logged an additional 240 hours thereafter. This model was procured to replace the older Mil Mi-17 helicopters within the Kenya Police Air Wing.
Investigation
An inquiry led by Lady Justice Kalpana Rawal examined the circumstances surrounding the crash and delivered its findings on 28 February 2013. The investigation concluded that the most likely cause was crew loss of control amid poor visibility conditions.