OLOOLOITIKOSH, Kajiado County — A brewing conflict at Orly Airpark, a vital aviation hub 50 kilometers south of Nairobi, has thrust Joseph Martin Ririani, a seasoned pilot and cousin of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, into the spotlight.
Ririani, the founder of the Kenya School of Flying, stands accused of orchestrating a scheme to seize control of the airpark, raising alarm among residents, aviation stakeholders, and local authorities.
Orly Airpark, established around 2000 by members of the Aero Club of East Africa, including Ririani, was envisioned as a residential airfield for aviation enthusiasts.
With two runways and facilities supporting flight training, skydiving, microlights, and light aircraft, it has grown into a cornerstone of Kenya’s aviation landscape.
The airpark is a key component of the “Kajiado Skies” initiative, which aims to transform Kajiado County into a regional aviation hub, creating jobs, boosting tourism, and easing congestion at Nairobi’s Wilson Airport.
However, Ririani’s alleged tactics have cast a shadow over this vision.
Sources claim this is the third attempt by the veteran pilot to assert control over the airpark, bypassing established governance protocols.
Reports of intimidation, including the use of motorbike groups to pressure residents, allegations of paid youth disrupting community processes, and claims of tribalism to garner support, have intensified concerns about his methods.
The dispute traces back to ongoing tensions between Ririani’s Kenya School of Flying and Orly’s management.
Earlier this year, Ririani chained himself to an aircraft in protest, citing unsafe conditions and runway congestion. He has also pushed for the extension of a 700-meter grass runway to 1,000 meters, even leasing adjacent land for the project.
Ririani alleges that management’s resistance stems from political or personal motives, while critics argue his approach disregards safety standards and collaborative decision-making.
“This isn’t just about runways—it’s about the future of aviation in Kenya,” said a local stakeholder, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Orly could bring jobs and innovation, but shortcuts and intimidation threaten to undermine its potential.”
The accusations against Ririani have sparked broader concerns about governance and transparency at Orly Airpark.
Aviation experts warn that unchecked power plays could lead to unsafe infrastructure, erode trust, and jeopardize the airpark’s role in Kenya’s economic development.
For a pilot of Ririani’s experience, many expected a commitment to discipline and safety, not tactics that risk destabilizing a community asset.
Residents of Olooloitikosh see Orly as more than an airfield—it’s a symbol of opportunity for Kajiado County. “This is our chance to put Kajiado on the map,” said Mary Naserian, a local business owner. “We can’t let personal agendas derail what could benefit our youth and economy.”
As the controversy unfolds, authorities face mounting pressure to intervene and ensure Orly Airpark remains a beacon of progress.
The Kajiado County government and aviation regulators have yet to comment publicly, but stakeholders are calling for an investigation into the allegations and a renewed focus on transparent governance.
The promise of the “Kajiado Skies” hangs in the balance. For Orly Airpark to soar, it must rise above personal disputes and embrace a future built on collaboration, safety, and shared opportunity. Kenya’s aviation community—and the people of Kajiado—deserve nothing less.
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