A NATION MOURNS

Pictured from left to right, My friends and leaders; Titus Ngoyoni,Mirugi Kariuki,General Aden Abdullahi, MP's Abdi Sasura, Dr.Guracha Galgalo, and Dr Bonaya Godana. Below, the scene of the crash in Marsabit, Kenya

Just a few days ago i posted a piece on the fake crash airport drill. ....

And now a real plane crash has sent me and the nation into sadness and pain. Death is final and unpredictable. Yet sudden death shocks as so very much when it happens. In one fell swoop, death yesterday morning robbed Kenya of six Members of Parliament, several senior members of Government and the Provincial Administration, Kenya Air Force crew and a Member of the East African Legislative Assembly.These leaders were brought together by the search of peace in northern Kenya and its sad their lives were cut short suddenly before their peace mission.

Among the dead are several of my friends, and my member of parliament. I can only pray for the dead, and strength for their families. A more rewarding act will be to honor their last mission; a mission they paid with their lives. I urge leaders and citizens alike to continue their efforts of peace in their honor.

I have lost several friends, my Member of Parliament, and a former neighbour. My best friend lost his Inlaw,a celebrated General in the crash and speaking with him on the phone a few minutes ago, made my heart break. I met Messrs Dr.Godana, Dr.Guracha , Sasura and General Aden whilst studying at the University of Nairobi. While in student leadership i consulted with them and over the years our friendship developed. As i forged friendship with them, they continiously inspired me and supported the ideals of freeing the Northern Kenya from poverty, insecurity and years of government marginalization.They represented my region and country with dedication and service. They were the voices of the muted, in a parliament sometimes characterised by absurdity, and 'big tribe' antics.

I mourn the loss with the optimism that their death will not be in vain, and that peace will not be an illusion, but a reality in Northern Kenya. I also mourn the soldiers, senior government officials, and the pilots of the ill fated military plane.

I salute you....REST IN PEACE