Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has informed the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations that efforts are ongoing to identify and repatriate the remains of two Kenyans who died in a plane crash in South Sudan on April 27, 2026.
The victims, Captain Francis Lagat Ruto and Mr. Brian Mwenge, were among passengers aboard a Kenyan-registered Cessna aircraft, registration number 5Y-NOK, operated by CityLink Aviation Ltd, which crashed in South Sudan.
Mudavadi told the committee that the severity of the crash resulted in extensive burns among all victims, making visual identification impossible and requiring DNA testing to establish their identities.
Following the accident, the Kenya Embassy in Juba immediately engaged South Sudanese authorities, the aircraft operator and other relevant stakeholders to coordinate the identification and repatriation process.
DNA samples were collected and transported to Kenya for forensic analysis and matching. The process led to the positive identification of ten victims, including Captain Francis Lagat Ruto, whose remains were released to his family and repatriated to Kenya on June 16, 2026.
However, the remains of Mr. Brian Mwenge are yet to be conclusively identified. The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs is continuing to work with forensic experts and the family to facilitate additional DNA sampling to support further verification and matching.
Mudavadi said the incident highlights the importance of Kenya’s diplomatic missions in supporting citizens abroad, particularly during times of crisis and tragedy.
“Through our embassies and consulates, we remain committed to providing timely assistance, facilitating engagement with foreign authorities and ensuring that the interests of Kenyans overseas are safeguarded,” Mudavadi said.
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has extended condolences to the families of Captain Ruto and Mr. Mwenge, pledging to continue supporting the identification and repatriation process until it is concluded with dignity and professionalism.
