Piece by: Dennis Milimo

14 September 2022

• This is not the first time a passenger is passing away aboard a KQ flight.

• The airline sought to clarify that the situation at the airport was being handled.

Baringo Deputy Governor Charles Kipng'ok passed away on Wednesday while waiting to board a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to Mombasa.

A statement released by Kenya Airways, details that the passenger developed breathing difficulties before being pronounced dead.

"Kenya Airways PLC (KQ) regrets to announce that a passenger developed breathing difficulties this evening while boarding KQ612 that was scheduled to depart for Mombasa at 1900hrs," the statement said in part.

Charles was pronounced dead by the Medical personnel at JKIA before the plane took off.

The airline sought to clarify that the situation at the airport was being handled.

They went on to pass their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased passenger.

“The JKIA health and security agencies are currently handling the issue.

"We convey our deepest condolence to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time," KQ said.

Passenger dies aboard KQ flight from New York

This is not the first time a passenger is passing away aboard a KQ flight.

In August, KQ was again in the headlines after a passenger died aboard its flight operating from New York to Kenya.

"On arrival in Casablanca, medical personnel at the airport found the passenger unresponsive and was confirmed to have passed away," the statement reads.

The airliner also apologized to customers following the unfortunate incident that resulted in delays in their flights.

"We convey our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, and sincerely apologize to our other guests for the inconvenience." The statement added.