Condolences pour in for crash victims

People walk at the scene of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 302 plane crash, near the town of Bishoftu, southeast of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia March 10, 2019. [REUTERS]

Various leaders joined the world in mourning the 157 people who died in yesterday’s plane crash.

President Uhuru Kenyatta sent his condolences to affected families.

“We are saddened by news of an Ethiopian Airlines passenger aircraft that is reported to have crashed six minutes after takeoff en route to Kenya. My prayers go to all the families and associates of those on board,” Uhuru said.

Deputy President William Ruto said he was saddened by news of the crash.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families whose loved ones were on board,” Ruto said.

African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Raila Odinga also mourned the dead.

“My deeply felt condolences to the people of Ethiopia following the crash of the Ethiopian Airlines plane. My prayers are with the families and relatives of victims,” Raila said.

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, in his message of condolence to the families described the crash as a terrible tragedy that has been felt the world over, noting that it affected passengers of more than 30 nationalities. 

“I want to express my sincere condolences to families, relatives and friends whose loved ones were involved in the Ethiopian airline crash this morning while en route to Kenya. My thoughts are with them,” he said.

Wiper Party

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka: “My heartfelt condolences to all those who lost their loved ones in the Ethiopian Airlines crash.”

Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi also sent his condolences.

“My prayers and thoughts go out to you during this very tragic and sad moment,” Mudavadi said. 

Kenya Airways Managing Director Sebastian Mikosz said that those affected by the crash can count on the airline’s full support.

“Kenya Airways wishes to send a message of condolences to Ethiopian Airlines and the families of those that have lost their loved ones on flight ET 302/10 en route to Nairobi,” Mikosz said.

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma said she learnt of the crash with great sadness and shock.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala and Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo also sent their condolences.

Kenya Red Cross Society secretary general Abbas Gullet also sent his condolences and announced that said the society is coordinating with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and the Ethiopian Red Crescent to provide humanitarian support.

“Our hotlines 1199 and 0715820219 are active offering any needed support. Our psycho-social teams are also at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) providing counseling. We can be reached 24/7 both on phone and at any of our desks at JKIA,” Gullet said.

US embassy in Kenya also sent condolences to affected families.

“We mourn with you,” the statement said. 

Across the continent, more leaders condoled with victims of the crash.

Rwanda President Paul Kagame said; “We stand with Prime Minister Abiy and the people of Ethiopia. Our thoughts are with you.”

Uganda President Yoweri Museveni said he received news of the crash with sadness.

“On Uganda’s behalf, I send heartfelt prayers and condolences to all those affected by this tragedy,” Museveni said.

Uganda MP and Musician Bobi Wine also added his voice to the flood of messages.

Africa mourns!

“This is so tragic! I send condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of this terrible accident. May we all pray for them in this very difficult time. Africa mourns! The world mourns,” Wine said.

Somali Vice President Abdirahman Saylici said: “On behalf of Somalia, we offer our deepest condolences and prayers to the families and friends of the victims following the crash of the Ethiopian airline plane. We share your mourning and send you our prayers and support during this tragic time.”

African Union chief Moussa Faki Mahamat said he had learnt of the crash with utter shock and immense sadness.

“Our prayers are with the families of the passengers and crew as authorities search for survivors. I also express our full solidarity with the government and people of Ethiopia,” he said on Twitter.

Mahboub Maalim, executive secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) said the region and the world were in mourning.

“I cannot seem to find words comforting enough to the families and friends of those who might have lost their lives in this tragedy,” he said in a statement.

Boeing Airlines said on its Twitter account that it was aware of the crash.

“Boeing is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the passengers and crew on Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, a 737 MAX 8 airplane. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of the passengers and crew on board and stand ready to support Ethiopian Airlines team. A Boeing technical team is prepared to provide technical assistance at the request and under the direction of the US National Transportation Safety Board,” the statement said.