Osotsi: How I Escaped The Wilson Airport Crash Landing

By Our Correspondent

At least 44 people narrowly escaped death after an aircraft crash-landed at Wilson Airport in Nairobi this evening, raising fresh concerns over the country’s aviation safety standards.

The Safarilink aircraft, carrying 39 passengers, three crew members and a pilot, was flying from Kisumu when it crash-landed at Wilson Airport a few minutes to 9pm.

Among the passengers was Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, who said he was lucky to be alive after surviving the crash that could have turned catastrophic.

The senator credited the pilot’s quick thinking for preventing a disaster, saying the aircraft was steered off the runway to avoid a potential fire.

He noted that the maneuver likely saved dozens of lives on board.

“I thank God for His protection…….I commend the pilot for his remarkable skill and presence of mind in controlling the aircraft,” he stated.

However, Osotsi raised concerns over the airport’s emergency response, saying there were no immediate rescue operations despite the severity of the incident.

He described the lack of preparedness as unacceptable citing lack of ambulance on site and swift emergency response team came to our aid.

The incident comes days after the senator sought a statement in the Senate regarding safety concerns and deteriorating infrastructure at Wilson Airport.

He said the runaway was flooded with faulty lighting systems.

He questioned why the flight was not diverted to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, noting that poor conditions at Wilson often force evening diversions, raising further safety concerns.

“I strongly reiterate that Wilson Airport must be closed and comprehensively upgraded to meet international safety standards before it is allowed to resume full operations,” he stated.

He emphasized that the safety of Kenyans and all air passengers must never be compromised.

While confirming the incident, the Kenya Airports Authority said all passengers and crew were safe, with no injuries reported.

KAA added that the aircraft remains on site, and recovery efforts are currently underway and that airport operations at the airport remains normal.