KWALE —Two Kenya Air Force pilots died on Saturday when their aircraft crashed during a routine training flight in Kwale County, according to official reports from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
The incident occurred in the general area near Mwakijembe Primary School in Mafundani village. The aircraft, identified as a Grob 120A, went down after experiencing what KDF described as an “emergency situation” mid-flight.
“Both pilots on board the aircraft were killed in the accident,” KDF confirmed in a public statement released on Saturday evening. “With deep sadness, we confirm the passing of both pilots in the crash. Kenya Air Force has constituted and dispatched investigation teams to establish the cause of the air crash.”
The Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya publicly mourned the airmen, calling them “gallant officers who gave their lives in the line of duty.” In her message of condolence, she expressed sympathy to the bereaved families and praised the pilots’ service to the nation.
The crash site has been secured as investigation teams work to determine what led to the emergency. KDF stated that no civilians on the ground were injured and that safety protocols were activated immediately after the crash.
The Grob 120A is a German-made, two-seat training aircraft commonly used by military aviation programs for basic flight instruction. According to KDF flight records, the aircraft was conducting standard training when the emergency occurred.
The names of the pilots have not been officially released, pending notification of next of kin.
“May the Almighty Lord rest the souls of the departed heroes in peace and grant their families fortitude at this time of deep sorrow,” the KDF statement concluded.
The Ministry of Defence has not provided a timeline for the investigation but pledged full transparency once the findings are complete.
