Plane carrying journalists crashes near Wilson

A light aircraft with three journalists on board on Wednesday afternoon crashed shortly after taking off from Wilson Airport.

The Cessna plane was ferrying three Citizen TV journalists — two reporters and a cameraman — to a National Super Alliance (Nasa) Rally in Baringo.

The journalists and crew were taken to Nairobi West Hospital and were said to be in a stable condition.

Police Airwing Commandant Rodgers Mbithi confirmed that the plane crashed close to the Southern Bypass, near Kibera.

It was heading from Wilson Airport to Kabarak.

National Super Alliance (Nasa) leaders were scheduled to hold rallies in Tiaty, Kabarnet and Eldama Ravine in Baringo County.

SACRIFICES

Nasa presidential flag-bearer Raila Odinga, in statement, wished the journalists and their pilot a quick recovery.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader also acknowledged the sacrifices that journalists make in informing the public about events in the country.

“This tragedy reminds us of the sacrifices journalists face daily in their quest to keep our citizens informed, an effort we sometimes take for granted until an incident like today’s happens,” he said.

“We thank God for their saved lives and we assure the reporters, the Kenyan media fraternity and the Royal Media family in particular that our thoughts and prayers are with them,” Mr Odinga added.

Meanwhile, two journalists based in Tharaka-Nithi County were on Wednesday involved in a motorbike crash at Nkondi market, on the Mukothima-Marimanti road, and rushed to Marimanti Sub-County Hospital.

Mercy Kendi of Royal Media Services and Gitonga Njoka of Kenya Broadcasting Corporation suffered various injuries.

They were heading to Marimanti on a boda boda after covering an event at Nkondi market attended by Land Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi and Tharaka MP Mburi Muiru.

"The speeding rider lost control [of the motorcycle] and we fell off ... and sustained body injuries" said Ms Kendi.

Mr Gitonga's video camera was also reduced to pieces after landing on a stone.

SPOKE TO JOURNALIST

President Uhuru Kenyatta has expressed shock at the news of the plane crash while recalling that he had spoke to one of the journalists injured during an interview at State House.

In a statement from Statement House, spokesman Manoah Esipisu said President Kenyatta spoke to Joseph Njane Gatete.

“While the President is happy to hear that the journalists and pilot are recovering well in hospital, this incident reminds all of us of the dedication and hard work journalists put in to ensure that the messages in this electoral period reach all Kenyans,’’ said Mr Esipisu.

“The prayers of the President and his family are with them and he wishes them a quick recovery,’’ he added.

Additional reporting by Alex Njeru.