Captain Francis Ruto Langat (Charles), a pilot with Flex Aviation based at Wilson Airport, who died following a tragic plane crash in Juba, South Sudan, will be laid to rest on June 25.
According to the family, Captain Langat passed away on April 27, 2026, after the aircraft he was traveling in crashed near Juba.
The accident was among the fatal aviation incidents in South Sudan this year, with all 14 people on board reported killed.
“It is with deep sorrow and humble acceptance of God’s will that we announce the untimely passing of Captain Francis (Charles) Ruto Langat of Flex Aviation, Wilson Airport, following a tragic plane crash in Juba, South Sudan, on 27th April 2026,” part of the obituary dated June 24read.
Family Announces Memorial and Burial Plans
Captain Francis Ruto Langat’s family has announced that funeral arrangements are ongoing at the family home in Kitengela, Nairobi.
A memorial service for the departed was held on June 23 at Montezuma Chapel from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
According to the funeral program, the cortege will leave Montezuma Funeral Home for Bomet on Wednesday, June 24, before an overnight stay at his home in Chebole.
Burial is scheduled for Thursday, June 25, 2026, at his residence in Chebole, Kipsonoi Ward, Sotik Sub-County, Bomet County.
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Captain Francis Ruto’s Family
The late pilot was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Peter and Dora Soi (Chai) of Kabianga in Belgut Sub-County, Kericho County.
He was the husband of Martha Langat and the father of Joyce Langat, Florence Cherotich, Felix Bett, Nicholas Bett, Dr. Daisy Langat, and Jerome Kiptoo.
According to the obituary, he is described as a proud grandfather to Tiffany Melli, Travis Melli, Trevor Melli, and Angela Bett.
Captain Francis Langat Links to South Sudan
Captain Langat made headlines in 2014 after being detained in South Sudan for more than a month.
At the time, South Sudanese authorities accused the Kenyan pilot of flying former minister Peter Adwok Nyaba out of the country without authorization.
Following diplomatic intervention by the Kenyan government, Francis was eventually released after spending 36 days in detention.
After a while, Francis was once again in the headlines and was linked to South Sudan after the fatal Juba crash claimed his life.
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Government on the South Sudan Plane Crash
Following the plane crash involving the Kenyan Cessna aircraft with the registration number 5Y-NOK operated by CityLink Aviation Ltd on April 27, the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, confirmed that two Kenyans lost their lives.
Among the two were Captain Francis Ruto and KCB Yei Branch Manager Brian Mwenge.
Musalia, in response to the repatriation concern raised by Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei, clarified that the Kenyan Embassy in Juba had started immediate engagement with South Sudanese authorities, pathologists, and the aircraft operator to facilitate identification and repatriation of the victims.
Further, he confirmed that the remains of the pilot had been released for repatriation to Kenya.
“Following the settlement of outstanding mortuary charges by Flexair and CityLink, the body was released by Juba Funeral Home to the family for repatriation to Kenya. The remains of Captain Francis Lagat Ruto were subsequently repatriated to Kenya on 16th June 2026.” Mudavadi said.
However, the Prime Secretary explained that the repatriation of the remains of KCB Yei Branch Manager Brian Mwenge will be carried out after the DNA identification process is completed.
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