Naomi Nyiro cheated death in a horrific road accident that took her leg in November 2017, only to meet a surreal and tragic fate in a plane crash without even ever boarding the aircraft.
The Head Teacher of Mashamba Comprehensive School in Malindi Sub County was travelling on a motorcycle taxi (boda-boda) along the Malindi-Mombasa Road when a light aircraft crash-landed and erupted into flames, killing her on the spot.
Her head was severed from her body by the ill-fated aircraft’s propeller, killing her on the spot alongside the boda-boda rider and a bystander, who was burnt beyond recognition.
When the teacher’s husband, Mr. Daniel Mwagona, heard of the accident that occurred on Friday at around 3:00 pm, he called her phone but was shocked when another person answered and informed him that the owner of the mobile phone had died in the accident.
The accident took place in the Kwa Chocha area on the outskirts of Malindi Town when the Cessna aircraft, used for training purposes, experienced an engine failure and crash-landed about one meter off the road.
All three occupants, including a pilot, an instructor, and a student, survived the crash.
On Saturday, the family of the deceased tutor and the staff at the school she had headed since 2019 were trying to come to terms with her sudden demise. Mr. Mwagona, a retired head teacher, and their son Stephen Malingi tearfully recounted their pain.
The family spokesman, Mr. Bernard Taura, demanded thorough investigations into the accident, from which all the occupants survived, and appropriate compensation from the airline/school of flying and its insurers.
“We know that there is no adequate compensation for the death of someone, but we call for just compensation for this loss,” a devastated Mr. Nyiro told journalists at her home in the Majengo Mapya area of Malindi town.
The day watchman at the school told journalists that the school had lost a dedicated and humane head teacher who, he said, did not have any adverse reports or issues with staff.
“I had earlier gone to her office for some help, and she told me to see her later. However, she received an urgent message, and as she was leaving the compound, she told me to see her deputy or wait till she came back on Monday or Tuesday. Little did I know that I was bidding her goodbye,” a tearful Mr. Mwaro said.
Meanwhile, aviation experts arrived at the accident scene Saturday night, assessed the accident, and removed the wreckage. They did not speak to journalists.
By Emmanuel Masha
