On this day in 2017, tragedy struck the serene waters of Lake Nakuru when a Flex Air Charters helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff. The aircraft, carrying five people—including members of Senator Susan Kihika’s media team—plunged into the lake just minutes after departing from Jarika County Lodge.
The incident sparked a gruelling months-long recovery mission hampered by the lake’s murky, silted waters. While the wreckage and three victims were eventually recovered, two remain missing to this day. Later investigations cited pilot impairment and loss of situational awareness as the primary causes, marking a sombre chapter in Kenya’s aviation history.
The five people were on board at the time of the accident:
- Apollo Malowa (Pilot) – Body recovered.
- Anthony Kipyegon – Body recovered.
- Veronicah Muthoni – Body recovered after 25 days.
- Sam Gitau – Remains never found.
- John Mapozi (John Ndirangu) – Remains never found.
