Kin bid goodbye to missing Nakuru chopper crash victims

A funeral service for two missing victims of the Lake Nakuru chopper crash was held today at the shores of the lake.

Today marked 112 days since the chopper carrying the two missing passengers; Sam Gitau alias Sam G and John Ndirangu popularly known as Mapozi crashed.

Gitau and Mapozi were among five occupants of the ill-fated helicopter that crashed into the lake on October 21, 2017 morning while heading to Narok where President Uhuru Kenyatta was scheduled to address a public rally.

The bodies of pilot Apollo Malowa and Anthony Kipyegon,an aide to Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika, were recovered 72 hours after the tragedy.

The main chopper engine and fuselage were recovered 28 days after the crash, on the same day the body of the third victim, student Veronica Muthoni, was found trapped in it in the saline waters.

Unfortunately, the bodies of Mapozi and Gitau were never recovered.

In a mass led by Father Fernandos Andati of St. Joseph church, relatives and friends of the two young men mourned describing them as industrious, dedicated, humble and outspoken.

Leaders in attendance included Senators Susan Kihika, Samuel Mwaura, Nominated MPs, Kinuthia Gachobe,Kuria Kimani, David Gikaria, Samuel Arama and Nakuru Women Representative Liza Chelule.

Nakuru Women Representative Liza Chelule termed the helicopter crash as unfortunate and one that robbed the nation of hardworking people who went out of their way to make sure Jubilee campaigns achieved their target goals.

On her part, Senator Susan Kihika said that the two would even spend money from their own pockets just to ensure the assignments she gave them were complete adding that the duo that would have turned 25 and 27 on 1st February and 6th June this year respectively.

Although parents from both sides did not speak during the service, in their tributes that were read by close relatives, they said that they will dearly miss their sons.

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s message of condolence was delivered by Senior Director of Innovation, Digital and Diaspora Communication in the Office of the President Dennis Itumbi who said that both the President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto have promised to set time to meet the two families at a later date.

Father Andatia while delivering his sermon said that it was up to everyone to stay prepared as death is a “sudden visitor”.

Andatia reminded the mourners that God holds the key to everything and all that is left is to accept the will of God and go on with life.

Curtains came down at 3.30 pm when relatives and friends placed wreaths by the lake shore and threw sand into the lake before a final prayer was made.