Economy

Kibaki: deaths of Saitoti, Ojode and four others a devastating loss to Kenya

STATEMENT BY H.E. PRESIDENT MWAI KIBAKI

It is with great sadness that this morning I learnt of the tragic deaths of the Minister for Internal Security and Provincial Administration Prof George Saitoti and the Assistant Minister in the ministry Hon. Orwa Ojode, their body guards and the pilot and co-pilot of the police helicopter that they were travelling in. The deaths of the six Kenyans is a devastating loss to our country.

On behalf of the Government and the people of Kenya I send my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and relatives of the six Kenyans.

Minister Saitoti will forever be remembered as a hardworking and determined public servant who dedicated his time to the service of the Kenyan people.

Just last Friday at the Conference on Peace in Mombasa, Hon. Saitoti spoke eloquently and passionately about the many police reforms that his ministry was undertaking. He leaves behind a rich legacy of service to the country.

The Hon Orwa Ojode will be remembered for his focused approach while undertaking his duties with great zeal and determination as an Assistant Minister and the Member of Parliament for Ndhiwa Constituency.

At this moment of great national grief my prayers are with the families of those who perished.
Pilots

1. Luke Oyugi

2. Nancy Gituanja

Bodyguards

3. Inspector Joshua Tonkei

4. Sergeant Thomas Murimi

The four were hard working and committed officers of the Kenya Police Force.

It is my prayer that the Almighty God will rest the souls of the six Kenyans in eternal peace.