Kenya Advances Repatriation of Citizens Killed in South Sudan Plane Crash

Kenya's Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs says progress is being made in identifying and repatriating Kenyan nationals who died in a plane crash in South Sudan, with one victim returned home and efforts continuing to confirm the identity of a second.

The crash occurred on 27 April in the Luri Mountains near Juba and involved a Kenyan-registered Cessna aircraft travelling from Yei to the South Sudanese capital. Speaking to the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi said 15 people were killed, including two Kenyans: pilot Captain Francis Lagat Ruto and Brian Mwenge, a bank manager based in Yei. 

Preliminary findings indicate that poor weather may have contributed to the accident, although investigations are ongoing. The condition of the victims' remains made visual identification impossible, requiring authorities to rely on DNA testing.

Samples were transported to Kenya on 2 May for forensic analysis. Ten victims, including Captain Ruto, have since been positively identified. Captain Ruto's remains were released to his family on 12 June and repatriated to Nairobi on 16 June. They were received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport before arrangements were made for burial.

The identification of Brian Mwenge is still under way. Authorities have requested additional DNA samples from family members to assist with matching procedures being conducted by accredited laboratories, including the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and Rayan Medical Laboratories in Eldoret.

Mudavadi said the airline operator had committed to covering the costs of identification and repatriation. He added that the Kenyan Embassy in Juba continues to provide updates to affected families. During a meeting held on 16 June, officials also offered counselling and psychosocial support services.

The repatriation and identification process is being overseen by a multi-agency committee comprising Kenyan and South Sudanese government officials, aviation specialists, forensic experts, legal representatives, the airline operator and family representatives.

Authorities are awaiting the final investigation report, which is expected to provide a fuller account of the circumstances surrounding the crash and any factors that may have contributed to it.

Mudavadi extended condolences to the affected families and reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting them throughout the identification and repatriation process.