Somber Mood as Pilot Alex Oluka Killed in Air Crash After Graduation is Laid to Rest

Tears and grief filled Kolait Village in Teso North, Busia County on Friday, October 9, 2026, as 25-year-old pilot Captain Alex Oluka was laid to rest.

Oluka, remembered as a bright and humble young man, died on September 18 after a training aircraft he was piloting crashed in Kipeto, Kajiado West.

Also on board was student pilot Wachira Kariuki. Both died on the spot.

The light aircraft went down near the Kipeto Wind Farm during a routine instructional flight, with early reports pointing to poor visibility due to morning mist.

His death came just 27 days after graduation. Oluka had completed his training at the Kenya School of Flying on August 22, 2026, and had just secured his first job as a flight instructor.

He was the first pilot sponsored under the Teso North NG-CDF program.

Before aviation, Oluka was an academic star. He was the top KCSE candidate at Kolanya Boys High School in 2021 with an A plain.

On Wednesday, October 8, his body was airlifted from Nairobi to Matulo Airstrip in Webuye, in a final tribute to his love for flying.

A large convoy escorted him home as residents lined the roads, wailing and waving.

In a touching gesture, well-wishers led by Teso North MP Oku Kaunya built his parents, Leonard Otolim and Everylin Inait, a new furnished bungalow in just 14 days, fulfilling Oluka’s dream of building them a house.

He was buried with full honour as a pioneer who inspired many young people in Teso.

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