Home Affairs Assistant Minister Lorna Laboso. (Xinhua/AFP Photo) 

Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki said he received the news of the aircraft crash with sadness and also confirmed that Kenneth Kiprono Bett, a personal assistant to the minister and the pilot, Schner-Christopher, were also onboard.

"The plane, a Cessna 210, left Wilson Airport at 2.18 P.M (1118GMT) today headed for Kericho with four people on board. The plane crashed at Kajong'a in Nairagie-Engare area. The wreckage has been found and there are no survivors," Kibaki said.

"It is with deep sorrow and grief that I send my condolences to the families of Hon. Kones, Hon. Laboso, Police Officer, Kenneth Bett and the Pilot, Schner-Christopher. I wish them God's grace during this trying moment," Kibaki said.

"Our country has lost leaders of immense potential at their prime age and with a promising future. Let us all remain united at this moment of sorrow as a nation. All flags should be flown at half-mast until burial," the president added.

Kones and Laboso were travelling in the light aircraft to the roads minister's Bomet constituency in Kericho when the plane went down.

Kones was an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Member of Parliament while Laboso – a first-time legislator – represented Sotik on an ODM ticket.

The deaths of the two ministers came just one day before by-elections which will be conducted in five constituencies: Embakasi, Kilgoris, Ainamoi, Wajir North and Emuhaya.

(Xinhua News Agency June 11, 2008)