Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi Survives Plane Crash-Landing at Wilson Airport
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has recounted his terrifying ordeal after being among the 39 passengers who miraculously escaped unharmed when their flight veered off the runway and crash-landed at Wilson Airport in Nairobi on Friday evening.
The aircraft, registration 5Y-BXI, was arriving from Kisumu International Airport when the incident occurred around 8:55 pm, prompting an immediate emergency response from rescue teams. Osotsi, who serves as chairman of the Senate Committee on County Public Investments, took to social media and issued a statement expressing profound gratitude to God for his survival, describing how he walked away safely despite the frightening experience that shook everyone on board, including three crew members and the pilot.
In the wake of the narrow escape, Senator Osotsi did not shy away from raising serious concerns about aviation safety at the busy general aviation hub. He highlighted longstanding issues with the state of the runway, drainage systems, rescue and firefighting equipment, and overall infrastructure at Wilson Airport, which he had previously flagged in Parliament just days earlier. The lawmaker vowed to push for urgent upgrades and accountability, pointing out that such incidents expose critical gaps that could have led to far worse outcomes, especially given the airport’s role in serving domestic and regional flights. His comments have amplified calls for a thorough investigation by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and Kenya Airports Authority to determine the exact cause of the runway excursion.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and all passengers were safely evacuated, allowing the incident to end on a note of relief rather than tragedy. The event has nonetheless sparked fresh national conversations about the need for improved maintenance, modern navigation aids, and stricter adherence to safety standards at Wilson Airport, a key facility for light aircraft and charters. As investigations continue, Senator Osotsi’s survival story serves as both a testament to divine protection and a timely reminder of the vulnerabilities in Kenya’s aviation sector, urging authorities to act swiftly to prevent recurrence and safeguard lives in the skies.
