Pilot killed, body dumped in septic tank in Nairobi

By Cyrus Ombati

NAIROBI, KENYA: Police are investigating an incident in which a commercial pilot based at Wilson Airport in Nairobi was found murdered and his body dumped in a septic tank in Hardy area.

The pilot who is a former Kenya Air Force captain was killed by unknown people.

 He has been identified as David Macharia and was staying alone in the compound.

The killers are yet to be known. A member of the family had claimed he was kidnapped and ransom demanded.

Capt Macharia operated from Wilson Airport and has worked for several airlines. His colleagues said he looked stressed and that he was a good pilot. 

Langata police boss Titus Yoma said a member of the family of Macharia had on Thursday reported saying Macharia had been kidnapped.

Then the member of the family who stays in Nakuru said the kidnappers had initially demanded a ransom of Sh10 million but climbed down to Sh10,000.

"After a short while they called to say the body had been found dumped in a septic tank. We are yet to know the killers and motive," said Yoma.

Yoma said police had by then started to search for the deceased.

He added Macharia and his wife had divorced. There was also a dispute amongst family members over property.
At the compound, there were indications the house was ransacked and documents stolen.

Officials from the fire brigade were Friday morning called to help in removing the body.
Yoma said they are investigating murder theory.