Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has recounted a frightening aviation incident after a Safarilink Aviation flight crash-landed at Wilson Airport on the evening of Friday, March 20, 2026, raising fresh concerns over safety standards at the busy domestic airport.

In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, Osotsi expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal, noting that all 39 passengers, alongside crew members, escaped without injuries.

He credited the pilot’s quick thinking for preventing a potentially disastrous outcome. “The pilot demonstrated exceptional control and judgment, managing to steer the aircraft off the runway and bring it to a halt.

That action likely prevented a fire that could have occurred had the plane remained on the runway,” he stated.

However, the senator sharply criticised the airport’s emergency preparedness, terming the response inadequate for a facility of its stature.

“It is alarming that there were no immediate emergency response measures in place. There was no ambulance at the scene, which points to serious gaps in preparedness,” he said.

Osotsi also questioned operational decisions surrounding the flight, pointing out that aircraft are often redirected to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport under similar circumstances.

“Given that diversions are common due to prevailing conditions, it is unclear why this flight was not rerouted,” he added.

Following the incident, the lawmaker renewed his push for urgent intervention, calling for the temporary closure and comprehensive upgrade of Wilson Airport.

“This facility should undergo a complete overhaul to meet international safety benchmarks before resuming full operations. Passenger safety must remain a top priority,” he urged.

The incident comes just days after Osotsi raised concerns in the Senate regarding the airport’s deteriorating infrastructure.

During a plenary session, he tasked the Committee on Roads, Transport and Housing with investigating key safety components, including runway conditions, drainage systems, air traffic control, firefighting capability, and backup power systems.

He further flagged the presence of high-rise structures near the airport that exceed permitted limits, warning that they pose a danger to aircraft operations and calling for clear timelines on their removal.

The crash-landing has now intensified scrutiny on Wilson Airport, with growing calls for authorities to address longstanding safety concerns.