Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has established a seven-member aircraft investigation team to address recent reports of accidents involving Kenya-registered or operated aircraft.
In a Gazette Notice, Captain Peter Maranga will serve as the chairman of the investigation team, with Engineer Fredrick Aggrey as the deputy chairman. Other members include Captain Herman Nduati, Retired Lieutenant Mike Mulwa, Ephantus Kamau, Captain Valentine Wendoh, and Captain Martyn Lunani. Brenda Mwango has been appointed as the joint secretary.
Murkomen has outlined four key functions for the team. Firstly, they are to review all preliminary accident reports for incidents involving Kenya-registered or operated aircraft over the past five years, as presented by the Republic of South Sudan and the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Secondly, the team is tasked with investigating any related matters and making recommendations to prevent similar incidents and enhance aviation safety in Kenya.
Additionally, they will survey all near misses in Kenyan airspace over the past three years. Finally, the team has been given three months to submit a comprehensive report to the CS.
In light of recent aircraft accidents, observers have called for the government to establish a commission to investigate the country's military hardware.
Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga has urged the formation of a Commission of Inquiry following the helicopter crash that resulted in the deaths of Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla and nine other KDF officers.
Mutunga emphasized the need for a transparent inquiry with robust public participation, stating, "Given the current circumstances in our country, characterized by rumors and ethnic divisions, it is imperative to establish a Commission of Inquiry immediately. An inquiry perceived as a cover-up would be unacceptable."
