President Salva Kiir's lost passport recovered in Kenyan village 30 years after plane crash

The travel document along with those belonging to other passengers who were on board the plane that crashed in Torongo, Baringo County in 1993 had been safely kept by a family that also collected armlets from the scene of the accident.

While receiving the documents, South Sudan Presidential Affairs Minister Barnaba Benjamin said the government is planning to build a hospital in the area as a thanksgiving gesture.

Onboard the chartered plane were six people; the pilot, Mr Kiir, his security officer two Norwegian medics, and a Briton. 

According to reports, the Briton died on the spot, while the pilot and the two Norwegians sustained severe injuries to their backs and currently use wheelchairs.

Immediately after the accident, nearby residents had arrived at the location, rescued those who were still trapped in the debris, and organized transportation to the hospital. 

Mr. Kiir and his aide were transported in a truck, while the remaining individuals were rushed to hospital in a car.

Thirty years after the accident, on Sunday, April 2, 2023, the survivors returned to the crash site to meet with the families of the individuals who had saved their lives. 

The South Sudanese delegation, comprising over 15 members, was headed by Barnaba Marial Benjamin, the Minister of Presidential Affairs, Josephine Nopwon, the Minister of Environment, Thiik Kiir, the son of President Kiir, Chol Ajongo, South Sudan's ambassador in Kenya, and Ambassador Bol Wek, among other officials. 

In recognition of their gratitude, the South Sudanese government has pledged to construct a state-of-the-art accident and trauma center at the Eldama Ravine Mission Hospital, to be named after President Salva Kiir. 

Additionally, the crash site will become a part of South Sudan's heritage and will be transformed into a tourist attraction, with road improvements and upgrades to the healthcare facilities that provided medical assistance, in conjunction with the proposed Salva Kiir Mayardit Accident and Trauma Centre at Eldama Ravine.