Calls for speedy probe as plane crash pilot is buried

The government has been urged to speedily investigate the helicopter crash that killed two ministers and four police officers.

Speakers who attended the burial of Captain Nancy Gituanja, one of the pilots who died in the accident, challenged the government to make the findings public.

They asked the government to ensure the families of the deceased Kenyans were represented in the probe team.

Juja MP William Kabogo told Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere that Kenyans should be allowed to debate the cause of the crash.

Avoid speculation

Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka have called for restraint saying people should avoid speculation.

"Let no one tell us to keep quiet on this issue, every Kenyan including the families that have lost loved ones are concerned about the issue and therefore we deserve to know the truth,” said Mr Kabogo.

While consoling the bereaved family, Mr Kabogo disputed claims that the accident was caused by bad weather adding that as a pilot, he was well versed on aviation matters.

Mathioya MP Clement Wambugu said the commission’s findings must be made public unlike other findings of previous air accidents which have been kept under wraps.

“The reasons why Kenyans keep speculating is that findings are never made public and so to pacify them this time, the whole truth must be told as soon as possible,” said Mr Wambugu.

Captain Gituanja died alongside Internal Security minister George Saitoti and his assistant Orwa Ojode.

Others who died in the helicopter crash at Kibiku forest in Ngong included the second pilot Luke Oyugi and body guards Thomas Murimi and Joshua Tonkei.

Maragua MP Elias Mbau asked Mr Iteere to ensure families of the departed officers were well compensated.

“Ensure you write to The Treasury as soon as possible so that the families can be compensated,” Mr Mbau told Mr Iteere.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Maina Kamau (Kandara), Assistant ministers Kabando wa Kabando and Peter Kenneth.

"Let the family members be fully represented in the commission investigating the accident and let us know what transpired in an accident which saw a very new helicopter crash,” said Mr Kenneth who is the Planning assistant minster.

Carry out mandate

Others who eulogised the fallen captain included President Kibaki whose condolence message was read on his behalf by Nairobi Metropolitan minister Jamleck Kamau and Special Programmes minister Esther Murugi.

Mr Iteere promised that the truth would come out and asked Kenyans to give the team time to carry out its mandate.

He warned politicians against hate speech saying that police would be recording all speeches in public rallies.

Mr Iteere also sounded a warning to the illegal Mungiki sect which he said was re-emerging and that it would be dealt with according to the law.

Captain Gituanja was eulogised as a dedicated, selfless and hardworking officer during the ceremony at Kiiri village in Kandara constituency that culminated in a 21-gun salute.

The 34-year-old leaves behind three children, Sharon Njambi, Diana Njoki and Wesley Gitau and husband Peter Gitau.