What You Need to Know
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi recounted a harrowing near-death experience after his plane crash-landed at Wilson Airport. All 38 passengers escaped unharmed, but Osotsi expressed fear of flying and called for urgent safety improvements at the airport. The incident has raised concerns about aviation safety in Kenya, prompting investigations by authorities.
Africa-Press – Kenya. Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has recounted a near-death experience after the aircraft he was traveling in crash-landed at Wilson Airport on Friday night, March 20, 2025. The plane, which had departed from Kisumu International Airport, encountered difficulties before making an emergency landing in Nairobi.
Osotsi described moments of fear and helplessness as the situation unfolded mid-air.
“You would be planning my burial right now; however, now I’m here because God loves me. The other day, I saw wonders, I saw death coming, and there was nothing to do. I couldn’t run away, I just waited for it to happen, but in my heart, I told God that I still have work to do in the country,” he said.
“Even so, the ordeal has left me with a fear of flying, heightened by messages from concerned Kenyans who say they would avoid boarding a plane with me, fearing a possible trap targeting us in the Linda Mwananchi team, though my resolve to serve remains firm.”
According to the senator, passengers on board were visibly shaken, with many crying as the aircraft prepared for impact. Despite the terrifying ordeal, all 38 people on board escaped without injuries.
“People in that plane were crying, but who is God? He ensured that all of us 38 aboard that plane alighted with no injuries,” he added.
“I am here because God loves me, for in that moment I saw death with my own eyes, felt completely helpless, and prayed to Him, reminding Him that I still have work to do for Kenyans. By His grace, God heard our prayers and we all came out of the plane safely.”
Following the incident, Osotsi called for urgent action to address safety concerns at Wilson Airport. He urged authorities to undertake thorough renovations, particularly on the runway, warning that the facility poses a serious risk to both passengers and aviation personnel.
A flight operated on behalf of Safarilink Aviation was involved in a runway excursion while landing at Wilson Airport on March 20, 2026, the airline has confirmed.
In a statement, Safarilink said Flight 090, travelling from Kisumu to Nairobi, encountered the incident at about 20:55 hours after touchdown.
The airline stated that the aircraft was operated by ALS Limited on its behalf.
The company reported that all 34 passengers and five crew members on board were safe.
“All passengers and crew have been accounted for, and there are no reported serious injuries at this time,” the statement said.
According to Safarilink, emergency response teams were activated immediately and responded to the situation.
Passengers and crew were evacuated safely, with support services provided as needed.
The airline said it has launched an investigation in collaboration with relevant aviation authorities to establish the cause of the incident.
It added that further updates would be issued as more information becomes available.
Safarilink also thanked airport emergency services for their response and acknowledged the cooperation of passengers and crew.
On Friday, the Kenya Airports Authority said the incident occurred at about 20:55 hours.
“We wish to confirm that all passengers and crew are safe, with no injuries reported. The aircraft remains on site, and recovery efforts are currently underway,” KAA said in a statement on Friday.
Wilson Airport, located in Nairobi, is a key hub for domestic flights in Kenya. Over the years, it has faced scrutiny regarding its safety standards and infrastructure. Incidents like the recent crash-landing highlight ongoing concerns about the airport’s runway conditions and emergency response capabilities, prompting calls for renovations and better safety protocols. The aviation sector in Kenya has been under pressure to enhance safety measures, especially following various incidents that have raised public awareness about air travel risks.
