Light aircraft crash-lands at Kwachocha in Malindi

Naomi Nyiro cheated death in a horrific road accident that took her leg on November 2017, only to meet a surreal and tragic fate in a plane crash without even boarding the aircraft.

The head teacher of Mashamba Comprehensive School in Malindi subcounty was travelling on a boda boda along the Malindi-Mombasa highway when a light aircraft crash-landed and erupted into flames, killing her on the spot.

Her head was severed from her body by the aircraft’s propeller, killing her together with the boda boda rider and a bystander, who was burnt beyond recognition.

Read Also
Migori Youth hold Mombasa United to stay top of the NSL log Football
Tusker rally past Ulinzi to reach FKF Cup semifinals as Nairobi United bow out Football
Red hot Omanyala to orchestrate Kenya's 4x100m charge at World Relays today Athletics

When the teacher’s husband, Daniel Mwagona, heard of the accident that occurred on Friday at around 3pm, he called her phone but was shocked when another person answered and informed him that the owner of the mobile phone had died in the accident.

The accident took place in Kwa Chocha area on the outskirts of Malindi town when the Cessna aircraft, used for training, experienced engine failure and crash-landed on the road.

Enjoying this article? Subscribe for unlimited access to premium sports coverage.
View Plans

All three occupants, including the pilot, an instructor and a student, survived the crash. On Saturday, the family of the deceased tutor and the staff Mashamba school Nyiro headed since 2019 were trying to come to terms with her sudden demise.

Mwagona, a retired head teacher, and their son Stephen Malingi tearfully recounted their pain. Family spokesman Bernard Taura demanded thorough investigations into the accident and appropriate compensation from the flying school and its insurers.

“We know that there is no adequate compensation for the death of someone, but we call for just compensation for this loss,” a devastated Mwagona said.

A watchman at the school told journalists the school had lost a dedicated and humane head teacher who did not have any adverse reports or issues with staff.

“I had earlier gone to her office for some help, and she told me to see her later. However, she received an urgent message and, as she was leaving the compound, she told me to see her deputy or wait till she came back.”