Ajali ya Ruto in Turkana: The inside story

Shocking reports have emerged this Monday morning that a helicopter belonging to Deputy President William Samoei Ruto crashed at Lake Turkana's Central Island National Park during takeoff, killing all five occupants. The victims included the pilot, Captain Mario Magonga, a Kenyan, and four American nationals.

The exact timing of the crash remains unclear, with conflicting reports suggesting it happened between midnight Sunday and early Monday, March 4, 2019. This uncertainty has raised questions, as helicopters are generally prohibited from flying at night unless equipped with specialized night vision instruments—a feature typically found only on helicopters operated by the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) or the Kenya Police Service. Interestingly, the deputy president’s helicopter reportedly had these advanced capabilities, making it a rare and costly asset valued at over KSh 1 billion.

According to former Jubilee Vice-Chair David Murathe, the deputy president owns several helicopters stationed at Wilson Airport. Initial reports suggest that two helicopters were involved in the trip, with one successfully completing its journey, while the second, piloted by Captain Magonga, crashed during takeoff. This raises further questions: Was the second helicopter also owned by the deputy president? Or did it belong to KDF or the Kenya Police?

Central Island National Park, managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), is a renowned tourist destination famous for its Nile crocodiles, hippos, and scenic beauty. Due to its remoteness, most visitors access it by air, as a road trip from Nairobi takes about three days. This begs the question: why were tourists flying at night, a practice typically avoided due to safety concerns?

Captain Magonga, the pilot, was reportedly a cousin of Kitutu Chache MP Richard Onyonka, who has called for a thorough investigation into the accident. However, skepticism remains about whether the truth will emerge, given the country’s history of unresolved incidents.

What makes this crash even more controversial is the immediate spread of rumors and political murmurs, especially from Rift Valley MPs allied with the deputy president. These rumors suggest that the crash might have been an assassination attempt. While such claims are far-fetched and lack evidence, they have added fuel to an already tense political environment. Security experts dismiss these allegations as highly improbable, pointing out the absence of any clear motive and the tragic loss of innocent lives.

The incident has sparked widespread speculation, particularly about the unusual circumstances surrounding the crash and the night-flying capabilities of the helicopter. It has also coincided with heightened tensions in Kenya, with Rift Valley MPs openly criticizing President Uhuru Kenyatta amid ongoing anti-corruption campaigns. Some observers suggest that these political undercurrents are attempts to politicize impending corruption-related arrests.

As this story develops, many questions remain unanswered. Why was the helicopter flying at night? Was the trip authorized? And was there any connection to the ongoing political tensions in the country? While these are legitimate concerns, spreading unverified rumors during such sensitive times is dangerous and could further destabilize an already volatile situation.

The tragedy has left the nation in mourning and raised serious concerns about aviation safety and political accountability. As investigations continue, it remains to be seen whether the true cause of the crash will ever be revealed. Until then, Kenyans can only hope for clarity and justice in this tragic incident.