32 Kenyans among the dead following Ethiopian Airlines crash

Sunday, March 10, 2019 at 12:23 PM By Milton Nyakundi

Ethiopian Airlines has confirmed 32 Kenyans were among the 33 nationalities aboard the ill-fated Boeing 737 that crashed shortly after take off around Bishoftu area, approximately 60 kilometers from Addis Ababa.

The plane, reportedly delivered just four months ago, had 149 passengers and eight crew; all of whom were killed following the crash that happened only six minutes after it took off from the Bole International Airport.

A information centre has been set up at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where the flight was destined for, where affected families can get psycho-social help and trace the recovery progress for bodies of their kin.

Following reports of the Ethiopian Airlines passenger aircraft, we are setting up a tracing desk at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. You can reach us on 0715 820219. We will also be offering psychosocial support services.

— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) March 10, 2019

President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga are among the several national and world leaders who have sent out condolence messages to the affected families.

https://twitter.com/UKenyatta/status/1104678914071453696

My deeply felt condolences to the people of Ethiopia following the crash of the Ethiopian Airlines plane. My prayers are with the families and relatives of victims.
— The Raila Odinga Amolo Foundation (@RailaOdinga) March 10, 2019

Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, also sent out a message through his office, which tweeted:

The Office of the PM, on behalf of the Government and people of Ethiopia, would like to express it’s deepest condolences to the families of those that have lost their loved ones on Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 on regular scheduled flight to Nairobi, Kenya this morning.
— Office of the Prime Minister – Ethiopia (@PMEthiopia) March 10, 2019

Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni said he had received the news with “sadness.”

I have, with sadness, received news about the crash of the Ethiopian Airlines flight which was destined for Nairobi from Addis Ababa. On Uganda's behalf, I send heartfelt prayers and condolences to all those affected by this tragedy.
— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) March 10, 2019