Ecologist, journalist killed in Mt Kenya plane crash

A renowned Laikipia conservationist and a journalist were killed when a light aircraft they were travelling in crashed near Mt Kenya.

Dr Anthony King was piloting the plane when it came down.

Also killed in the mishap was a Canadian journalist who was the only passenger on board.

Mt Kenya national park senior warden Simon Gitau said the aircraft, which was owned by the Laikipia Wildlife Forum (LWF), crashed on Sunday afternoon about 14,500 feet above sea level near Lake Michaelson.

The aircraft had been reported missing before it was traced near the mountain lake where a similar accident occurred in 1976.

The proprietor of Tropic Air Jammie Roberts, who worked closely with Dr King, said the accident could have been caused by strong winds.

“The two-seater plane was mechanically okay when it left for the mountain,” he said.

Dr King once served as the LWF executive director and was recently involved in the development of a wildlife conservation strategy for the county.

He was also the manager of Ngolale ranch in Rumuruti.

Members of Mt Kenya tourist circuit association eulogized him as a real hero and champion of conservation who will be remembered by many.