Oluka was among two people who died after a Kenya School of Flying aircraft crashed in the Kipeto area of Kajiado West on Friday, September 18, 2026, during a training flight.
Kaunya mourned Oluka as a promising pilot whose aviation career had been gaining momentum before the fatal accident.
"I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our NG-CDF pioneer pilot, Alex Oluka, following a plane crash in Kajiado while he was training a student," Kaunya said.
The death came less than a month after Oluka graduated from the Kenya School of Flying on August 22, 2026.
According to Kaunya, Oluka had demonstrated exceptional performance and dedication during his training, earning him an opportunity to serve as an instructor.
"Alex graduated last month (22/08/2026) from the Kenya School of Flying, where he demonstrated exceptional performance and dedication, earning him an opportunity to serve as an instructor," Kaunya said.
Kaunya said Oluka's promising career had been cut short just as his future appeared to be opening up.
"His promising career was tragically cut short at a time when his future was full of hope and great possibilities," he added.
How NG-CDF supported Alex Oluka's pilot training
Oluka's journey into aviation was supported through an education initiative in Teso North Constituency.
Earlier reporting in March 2026 identified Oluka and fellow student pilot Yvonne Duwa as beneficiaries of Teso North NG-CDF sponsorship for pilot training, with each student reported to have received support amounting to KSh10 million.
The sponsorship enabled Oluka to pursue his aviation training and progress toward a professional flying career.
His death has consequently been felt beyond his immediate family, with Kaunya describing him as an NG-CDF pioneer pilot.
Kaunya recalls Oluka's graduation
Kaunya also recalled an emotional detail from Oluka's graduation ceremony.
He said Oluka's mother had the opportunity to fly over Kajiado County as graduating pilots demonstrated their flying skills during an airshow held before the graduation ceremony.
"I fondly remember that during Oluka's graduation, his mother had the opportunity to fly over Kajiado County as the graduating pilots demonstrated their skills during the airshow that preceded the graduation ceremony," Kaunya said.
The memory has taken on added significance because Oluka would die in an aviation accident in the same county only weeks later.
Kaunya views Oluka's body
Kaunya further revealed that he personally viewed Oluka's body at the Kajiado County Referral Hospital Mortuary.
He said he was accompanied by Martin Kibachio, the General Manager of the Kenya School of Flying, Eng. Elijah Sempele of the Kenya School of Flying and Ezekiel Wanga, the DCIO Isinya.
"I have personally viewed Alex’s body alongside Mr. Martin Kibachio- General Manager of the Kenya School of Flying, Eng Elijah Sempele (Kenya School of flying) & Mr. Ezekiel Wanga - DCIO Isinya at the Kajiado County Referral Hospital Mortuary," Kaunya said.
The MP said Oluka's body was subsequently transferred to Chiromo Mortuary in Nairobi for preservation.
What happened in the Kajiado plane crash?
The Kenya School of Flying aircraft crashed in Kipeto during a training flight on Friday morning.
Police confirmed that two people were aboard the aircraft. The student pilot died at the scene, while the instructor succumbed to injuries while being taken to Kajiado Referral Hospital.
Police said preliminary information indicated that poor visibility caused by morning mist may have contributed to the accident.
However, the preliminary explanation has not been established as the final cause of the crash. The relevant aviation authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Oku Kaunya sends condolences
Kaunya extended his condolences to Oluka's parents, Leonard Otolim and Everylin Inait, as well as his relatives, friends, colleagues and members of the NG-CDF fraternity.
"My heartfelt condolences go to Mr. Leonard Otolim (father) Mrs. Everylin Inait (Mother), and the entire family, friends, colleagues and the NG-CDF fraternity," Kaunya said.
He asked God to give the bereaved family strength and comfort during the difficult period.
"May God grant the family strength, comfort and courage during this difficult period, and may his soul rest in eternal peace," he said.
Oluka's death has brought an abrupt end to an aviation journey that had reached a major milestone only weeks earlier. After receiving support for his pilot training, graduating from the Kenya School of Flying and securing an opportunity to serve as an instructor, the young pilot's career was cut short by the fatal Kajiado crash.
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