Safaricom’s former boss reveals woman who rescued him during horrific plane crash

mary kulundu

November 29, 2017 11:45 AM

This is so heartbreaking

Former Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph has disclosed details of a horrific plane crash he was involved in during his early years in Kenya.

In April 2004, a helicopter carrying Mr. Joseph, then Nation Media Group CEO, Mr. Wilfred Kiboro and their pilot Capt Nyanjui crashed in the Aberdares Forest.

On the flight were also KenGen’s managing director Eddie Njoroge, KWS chairman Colin Church, and KWS Managing Director Evans Mukolwe.

Speaking to a local daily, Joseph divulged that his associates left him inside the plane as his seat belt remained stuck.

According to the Kenya Airways Board chairman, he was literally left for dead as the helicopter’s engine was almost catching fire.

Lying there helpless, Joseph disclosed that he was saved by an old woman carrying a flask of tea. He stated that the woman courageously poured tea on the engine to prevent it from exploding.

“The only person who came to help… a local old woman approached with a flask of tea and started pouring it to stop the engine catching fire. Amazing courage!” he said.

During the interview, Joseph mentioned that he started Safaricom, which is now a multi-billion telecommunication company in the region, with only five employees in a three-bedroom rented flat.

He further expressed his love for Kenya highlighting that he would prefer to die at his home in Lewa.

"If I were to choose the last thing to do here on earth Iwould go home, listen to some music, call my kids. I would also prefer to die here in Kenya, in my home in Lewa," he was quoted as saying.

mary kulundu