|PIC1|One of the most senior figures in the Anglican Church of Kenya has died in a plane crash Monday along with some of the country’s senior politicians while on a peace mission.

Bishop William Waqo, the ACK’s Provincial Secretary and Personal Assistant to the Archbishop of Kenya, was among at least 14 killed, including Kenya’s Youth Affairs Minister Mohammed Kuti, two assistant ministers and four other MPs who were killed when the military plane crashed into a hill side before bursting into flames.

The group was on its way to a peace conference to mediate between different factions in the area warring over pasture and water.

Archbishop of Kenya, the Most Rev Benjamin Nzimbi, described Bishop Waqo as a true Christian and his called his death a “great loss”.

Eye witnesses said the air crash, considered to be Kenya’s worst for almost three years, occurred in rain and fog as the Y-12 plane approached the airstrip in the remote, northeastern town of Marsabit. Four people survived the crash although one later died en route to the hospital. |TOP|

A statement released by the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA) called Bishop Waqo a “dedicated servant” and said: “This is a great loss not only to the Anglican Church of Kenya but to CAPA and the entire Anglican Communion, which he served.”

It added: “We send our condolences to the family, relatives and friends and the entire Anglican Church of Kenya during this period of mourning and great loss. They are in our prayers.”

Bishop Waqo survives his wife, Naomi, who requested that he be buried in their rural home town of Marsabit. He also leaves behind daughter Mary (15), son Benson (11), and two younger daughters, Cherise (2) and Tabitha (three weeks old). A memorial service has also been planned.