Locals Link Migori’s Lichota Airstrip Mishap To Recently Captured Hyena “gods are angry”

Eleven occupants of a light aircraft escaped unharmed Monday after their plane was involved in an accident at Lichota Airstrip in Migori County.

The accident occurred when the plane, a Cessna Caravan belonging to Z. Boskovic Air Charters Limited, was taking off from the runway.

Although it remains unclear what caused the accident, locals have come up with theories on what might have caused the accident.

This writer while on his way after witnessing the accident heard hushed talks of locals, most claiming the ‘gods’ were angry because of an operation around the airstrip last month.

Kenya Wildlife Service officer mounted traps to capture wildlife around the large Lichota area after several complains by locals dating back to June.

According to reports, locals had complained about wild animal presence and the hyena invasion.

In August, the KWS were successfull in capturing a hyena, albeit young.

But the silent voices speaking after the Monday mishap claimed that a section of elders from Kadika clan of the larger Suna community who dominate the Lichota area were not happy with the capture of ‘their animal.’

It is said that the elders warned of dire consequences if the process did not stop and their ‘animals’ left alone.

Note that KWS responded to distress calls from locals, including elders, who were losing their animals to the wild animals roaming the area.

Additionally, setting up of the traps was community led as KWS issued the traps to locals.

But eyewitnesses said the plane veered off the landing strip when it was just about to take off. None of the occupants was injured during the incident.

Also, Z. Boskovic Air Charters Limited in a statement said it has sought help from authorities to investigate the crash.