Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.

A family is in deep mourning following the tragic death of their son, Evander Ochieng' Amonde, one of the two pilots who perished in a Kenya Air Force plane crash on Saturday, June 14.

The Grob 120A aircraft, which was on a routine training flight, experienced an emergency and crashed near Mwakijembe Primary School in Mafundani village, Kwale county.

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) confirmed the accident and the loss of both pilots, adding that investigation teams have been dispatched to establish the cause of the crash.

Otieno Amonde, the grieving father, expressed his heartbreak, describing his son as his joy, light, and hope for the future.

"Yesterday, my world shattered in ways I never imagined possible. I lost my beloved son in a tragic plane crash—an event I still struggle to comprehend. As I prepare to see him one last time at the War Memorial in Nairobi, the reality of his absence remains unreal, leaving me speechless and lost in sorrow," the grieving father said.

Evander's brother Juvenalis, also a TPF Contestant, shared his pain, writing, “This is extremely sad. Fly with the angels, lil brother. I wish it were just a bad dream.”

The family has asked for emotional support and prayers as they navigate this difficult time, choosing to remember Evander for the incredible life he led.

"I ask for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, and for all who knew and loved him, let us remember the incredible life he led," the father asked.

His death comes just days after he made Kenyans proud during the Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay, where he participated in the thrilling Kenya Defence Forces Air Show.

The air display featured military training aircraft from the Aviation Centre of Excellence used to train Kenya’s future military pilots.

In other news, an Air India plane en route to London tragically crashed just moments after takeoff, killing over 250 people on board.

The sole survivor, identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, sustained minor injuries. Speaking to the press, Kumar, a British national of Indian descent, emotionally recalled witnessing bodies and wreckage scattered across the crash site.

The accident now ranks among the deadliest in aviation history. Among the victims was a doctor’s family that had waited six years for their relocation to London.

Heartbreakingly, their journey ended just two days after the wife had resigned from her job in preparation for the move.

Source: TUKO.co.ke