Kenya pauses today to remember and honour the lives of four esteemed leaders who tragically lost their lives through air accidents.
Former Interior Minister George Saitoti and his assistant Joshua Orwa Ojode, cabinet members Kipkalya Kones, and Lorna Laboso die in a plane crash
On June 10, 2012, the nation was shaken by the untimely deaths of Saitoti band Ojode, in a tragic helicopter crash.
The incident occurred in Ngong, Nairobi, and claimed the lives of all six occupants on board, including two pilots and two bodyguards.
Saitoti was a prominent figure in Kenyan politics, having served in various high-profile roles, including Vice President and Minister of Finance.
His tenure was marked by efforts to combat terrorism and enhance national security. Ojode, known for his dedication and hard work, was instrumental in supporting security policies and working closely with Saitoti.
Their deaths were a significant blow to the country, prompting national grief and a funeral attended by dignitaries from across the political spectrum.
Four years earlier, on June 10, 2008, Kenya mourned the deaths of Kipkalya Kones, then Minister of Roads, and Lorna Laboso, Assistant Minister in the Office of the Vice President, in another tragic plane crash.
The aircraft went down in the Mau Forest, claiming the lives of both leaders and the pilots.
Kones, a veteran politician and key figure in the Rift Valley, was known for his advocacy for infrastructure development and his role in the fight for multi-party democracy in Kenya.
Laboso, a rising star in Kenyan politics, was celebrated for her commitment to women's empowerment and rural development.
As Kenya reflects on the anniversaries of these tragic events, it is a moment to remember the dedication and service of Saitoti, Ojode, Kones, and Laboso.
Their contributions to the nation's political landscape, security, infrastructure, and social development continue to inspire and guide current and future leaders.
Their commitment to public service and their vision for a better Kenya remain a guiding light for the nation's progress.
Today, as we remember these leaders, we celebrate their lives, their work, and their unwavering dedication to the people of Kenya.
Their legacy lives on in the continued pursuit of the ideals and goals they championed during their lifetime.
