Millicent Omanga blames poor safety standards for Kwale plane crash that killed 12
Former nominated senator Millicent Omanga has criticised Kenya’s aviation industry following the tragic plane crash in Kwale County that claimed 12 lives.
In a statement shared on her X account on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Omanga said the country needs to urgently reexamine its air safety protocols, blaming the frequent air accidents on poor aviation standards.
You might also like
She argued that the country’s aviation protocols have become dangerously lax, suggesting that many of the aircraft in operation are outdated and poorly maintained, posing serious risks to passengers.
She also extended her condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the Kwale crash, saying that their loss should serve as a wake-up call to both the government and aviation stakeholders to take safety issues more seriously.
“Aviation accidents are becoming far too frequent. We need to reexamine our air safety protocols. Most of the aircraft we use are actually flying coffins. My thoughts are with the family and friends of the 12 passengers who perished in the air accident in Kwale today,” Omanga stated.
The accident occurred at Nyando, Tsimba Golini area in Kwale County, after a passenger aircraft lost control and crashed while en route from Diani to Kichwa Tembo in the Maasai Mara.
Confirming the incident, Kwale County Commissioner Steve Orinde said rescue operations were ongoing.
“It is true, but I can’t speak more since we are collecting information,” he stated.
According to eyewitnesses, the private aircraft was carrying tourists and went down at around 8:30 a.m. due to poor visibility caused by bad weather. Kwale County had been experiencing steady rainfall throughout the morning.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the crash was weather-related, though official reports have yet to confirm the exact cause.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) also confirmed the incident, identifying the aircraft as one registered under 5Y-CCA. In a statement issued by KCAA Director General Emile N. Arao, the agency said the plane crashed at around 8:30 a.m. local time (0530Z).
“The Authority confirms that an aircraft en route from Diani to Kichwa Tembo crashed at 0530Z. Government agencies are on site to determine the cause and impact of the accident,” the statement read.
Arao added that 12 people were on board when the crash occurred. He assured the public that the Authority is working closely with relevant government agencies to conduct a full investigation into the tragedy.
While the exact cause of the crash remains unknown, KCAA reiterated its commitment to maintaining aviation safety and regulatory oversight in line with the Kenya Civil Aviation Act and international standards.
