Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata is facing mounting public scrutiny following an explosive exposé aired by NTV, implicating him in a high-profile compensation fraud scandal linked to the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET302 tragedy.
The crash, which occurred on March 10, 2019, claimed the lives of all 157 people on board, including 32 Kenyans. It involved a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft that crashed near Bishoftu, Ethiopia, just six minutes after takeoff from Addis Ababa en route to Nairobi.
According to the investigative report, Kang’ata is alleged to have forged death certificates, fraudulently presenting them as belonging to victims of the ET302 crash. These documents were reportedly used to falsely claim millions of dollars in compensation that had been earmarked for the families of the actual victims.
Even more disturbingly, the individuals listed as next of kin were allegedly staff members from Kang’ata’s Senate office at the time.
If these allegations are proven true, this would mark a severe breach of public trust and a gross exploitation of a global tragedy for personal gain. Legal experts and civil society groups have called for a thorough investigation into the matter, urging both local and international authorities, including Boeing and the Ethiopian government, to take part in uncovering the truth.
The scandal has ignited outrage among Kenyans, especially the bereaved families who are still seeking justice and closure. Governor Kang’ata has yet to issue a comprehensive public statement addressing the accusations.
As investigations unfold, the nation watches closely, demanding accountability, transparency, and justice for the victims and their families.
