There have been calls for compensation for the families of three individuals who died in a light aircraft crash near Malindi International Airport, in the Kwa Chocha area of Kilifi County.
The victims, two motorcycle riders and a pillion passenger from Ganda Ward, were on their way to Malindi town when the ill-fated Cessna 174 plane crashed into them. The three occupants of the plane survived with minor injuries.
A somber atmosphere enveloped the home of 36-year-old Felix Khamisi, one of the victims, who left behind a 26-year-old widow and two children aged seven and one and a half years. Khamisi was a founding member of the Ganda Boda Boda Sacco (GABBSA), which was established by Ganda Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Oscar Wanje and has 300 members.
MCA Wanje urged the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) to initiate compensation for the families of the deceased. He also emphasized the need for the government to expedite the expansion of Malindi International Airport’s runway, suggesting that its short length might have contributed to the crash, as the aircraft had just taken off en route to Wilson Airport in Nairobi.
“Upon learning of his demise, I began pursuing the compensation process for the three deceased individuals, and I assure you, I will ensure compensation is provided,” Wanje stated.
“We have long advocated for the expansion of this airport, and this tragedy should be the last wake-up call for the government to implement the expansion plans. A larger aircraft could cause an even more catastrophic accident here. The runway is so short that even small planes like Jambojet find it challenging to land,” he added.