Crash: Probe team to begin hearings Monday

Crash: Probe team to begin hearings Monday Written By:Carol Gakii,    Posted: Fri, Jul 13, 2012

The police helicopter crashed in Kibiku forest, Ngong area on the outskirts of Nairobi (file) The Commission of Inquiry into the plane crash that killed Internal Security Minister Prof George Saitoti, his assistant Orwa Ojode and four others will start its public hearings on Monday. Commission chairperson Lady Justice Kalpana Rawal is now calling on members of the public to submit any relevant information concerning the crash that may assist the team deliver its mandate effectively. Addressing journalists in Nairobi Friday morning, Justice Rawal said that the Commission is in the process of taking statements from potential witnesses and also obtaining the necessary documents from the police and other relevant government agencies. She said manufactures of the ill-fated chopper are also expected to appear before the probe team.  "As a preparatory measure, the commission has formulated its rules for the conduct and management of its inquiry under section 9 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act," she said. She further revealed they  were consulting on the firms to be approached which will conduct tests on the various components of the wreckage. "On July 12th, a Barascope inspection was carried out in the presence of experts representing the families. The report of the test is awaited from an independent expert" she told journalists. The five-member team was sworn into office by Chief Justice Dr Willy Mutunga early this month and is expected to make its findings public as soon as it completes its mandate.