South Sudan Rebels Hold Hostage Two Kenyan Pilots, Demand Sh20 Million for their Release

Two Kenyan pilots whose aircraft crash landed in South Sudan are being held hostage by rebels forces, who are now demanding Sh20 million to free them.

The two were reportedly flying from juba to Akobo in South Sudan during a humanitarian mission when the plane developed mechanical problems and crashed.

On crashing, the light aircraft allegedly killed one person, 5 cows and destroyed other properties including part of the airport’s perimeter fence and a house belonging to the rebels.

Captain Pius Frank Njoroge and his co-pilot identified only as Shamala were flying the 5Y-FDC Cessna Caravan, which carried nine passengers. The two pilots and all the passengers were evacuated before the plane caught fire.

The hostage takers are now demanding USD 200,000 for their release. Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Kenyan embassy in Juba, are yet to release any statement on the incident, even as the families of the two pilots wait for their return home.