The pilot of the helicopter that crashed into Lake Nakuru, killing all its five occupants two weeks ago, was laid to rest yesterday, even as the search continued for three of his passengers.
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Captain Apollo Malowa, a man eulogised as highly talented, principled, social and caring, was interred at his parents’ home in Olago-Kamkwaya village in Bondo, Siaya County at an emotional ceremony attended by two MPs and hundreds of his friends.
Malowa’s mother Dorothy Akinyi eulogised him as a generous, tough disciplinarian and principled young man who had a good work ethic.
“Most of his colleagues, friends and relatives loved him for his generosity and self-discipline. He could always announce his arrival in any town in Kenya on social media, asking whoever was around to join him,” said Akinyi.
She said the family learnt of the pilot’s death on social media.
“After receiving the news about the crash, we kept praying that he would resurface at any corner of the lake, since he was an avid swimmer,” said the mother.
Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda and Siaya Woman Rep Christine Ombaka said Malowa’s death was a big blow to the country and beyond.
Malowa, 34, was a distinguished pilot across East Africa. He has flown Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta, John Magufulu (Tanzania) and his predecessor Jakaya Kikwete, Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) and Opposition leader Raila Odinga among many other dignitaries.
