Tag: Wajir County news

Double Tragedy Strikes Wajir County As Helicopters Crash While Ferrying Relief Efforts

Posted on by Dennis Elnino

Amidst the ongoing flood crisis in Wajir County, two aviation incidents have cast a dark shadow over emergency evacuation efforts, leaving residents reeling from the double tragedy.

The first incident occurred at approximately 11:00 a.m., when a helicopter carrying Arbajahan Ward MCA Abey Jimaale, Captain Kiroken, and James Ndirangu crashed during takeoff at Wajir International Airport. The helicopter, on a mission to evacuate students from flood-affected regions, met with an unfortunate end.

Initial reports from the scene indicated that Captain Kiroken and MCA Abey Jimaale sustained head injuries, while James Ndirangu suffered injuries to his shoulder and right hand. The trio was promptly rushed to Wajir County Referral Hospital for immediate medical attention.

However, the severity of their injuries necessitated a referral to Nairobi for further specialized treatment.

The Kenya Defense Forces (KDF), Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), and local police officers descended upon the crash site to investigate the incident. They meticulously documented the scene before cordoning off the area for air accident investigators.

As the community grappled with the shock of the helicopter crash, another aviation tragedy struck the county later in the day. At approximately 5:00 p.m., a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) plane engaged in transporting essential supplies, including food and medicine, to residents of Buna in Wajir North, crashed during takeoff. The incident unfolded before the eyes of concerned onlookers.

This unfortunate event marks the fourth KDF helicopter crash in Wajir County in 2023, raising grave concerns about safety protocols and airworthiness standards.

These aviation incidents have dealt a severe blow to the ongoing flood relief efforts in Wajir County, disrupting evacuation operations and leaving residents in a state of heightened anxiety. The authorities must swiftly investigate the causes of these tragedies and implement measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Four Firearms Stolen from Police Station in Wajir County

Posted on by Ozymandias

Police in Griftu, Wajir County, are investigating the theft of four firearms from a local police station. The firearms, which include a G3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, and an additional AK-47 rifle, were discovered missing from the station’s armory on July 7, 2023.

In addition to the firearms, 90 rounds of ammunition were also missing. The armory was not broken into, leading police to believe that the firearms were stolen by someone with access to the station.

The Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Griftu Police Station has been arrested in connection with the theft. He is being held in police custody while the investigation continues.

The theft of the firearms comes at a time when the country is facing an upsurge in attacks by the militia group Al Shabaab. On July 6, 2023, ten police officers were injured in an ambush carried out by suspected Al Shabaab militants in Mandera County.

A month ago, four people were arrested in Garissa County for possessing deadly weapons. The four men were found in possession of an assortment of weapons, including AK-47 rifles, G3 rifles, and pistols.

The theft of the firearms from Griftu Police Station is a serious security concern. The weapons could be used by criminals or terrorists to carry out attacks. Police are urging anyone with information about the theft to come forward.