Senator Osotsi Breaks Silence After Surviving Wilson Airport Plane Accident

Vihiga Senator and ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi has broken his silence after a plane crash-landed at Wilson Airport, days after he raised concerns, on March 13, 2026, over the facility’s deteriorating infrastructure, terming it a matter of national concern.

In a statement issued hours after the incident occurred on Friday night, March 20, 2026, the Vihiga senator revealed that he was among the 39 passengers on board the Safarilink Aviation flight, which also had three crew members and the pilot.

Osotsi thanked God for his protection, saying he escaped the incident unhurt.

“I was among the 39 passengers on board the Safarilink flight, including three crew members and the pilot, when the plane crash-landed,” read part of his statement.

Senator Osotsi Speaks After Surviving Wilson Airport Plane Accident

The Vihiga Senator commended the pilot for his remarkable skill and presence of mind in controlling the aircraft and steering it off the runway, which prevented a catastrophic fire had the plane continued on the runway.

Also Read: Plane Veers off Runaway at Wilson Airport With Passengers on Board 

At the same time, the ODM Deputy Party Leader criticised the poor response at the airport, noting that there was no ambulance on site and no emergency response team came to their aid. He said this level of unpreparedness is unacceptable for an airport of such significance.

He further stated that the incident had reinforced concerns he had recently raised in the Senate regarding safety and infrastructure challenges at the airport.

Vihiga Senator Explains Why the Flight Was Not Diverted

Osotsi pointed to a flooded runway and a malfunctioning lighting system as key risks, questioning why the flight was not diverted to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, as is often the case under similar conditions.

Also Read: MP Johanna Ngeno Among 6 People Killed in Helicopter Crash

He has since called for urgent action, urging authorities to temporarily close Wilson Airport and undertake comprehensive upgrades to meet international safety standards.

“Wilson Airport must be closed and comprehensively upgraded to meet international safety standards before it is allowed to resume full operations. The safety of Kenyans and all air passengers must never be compromised,” Said the Vihiga Senator.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Airports Authority confirmed the incident, stating that the aircraft veered off the runway at around 8:55 p.m. while arriving from Kisumu. The authority said all 39 passengers and crew members were safely evacuated with no injuries reported.

KAA added that the aircraft remains at the scene as recovery efforts continue, noting that operations at Wilson Airport were not disrupted and remain normal.

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Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi. PHOTO/ Parliament.