In Kajiado County, a dispute has quietly been building at Orly Airpark, an aviation hub that was once seen as a place of opportunity and growth. At the center of this storm is Joseph Martin Ririani, a veteran pilot and founder of the Kenya School of Flying, who is also a cousin of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Ririani is accused of attempting to take control of the airpark through methods that have raised serious concerns among the community and aviation stakeholders. This is not the first time such attempts have been made, and whispers within the community suggest that it could be the third effort to bypass established rules in favor of his agenda.
Reports of intimidation, including the use of motorbike groups to pressure residents, claims of tribalism meant to rally support, and allegations of youth being paid to disrupt processes, have all added a troubling layer to the unfolding story.
Orly Airpark has been a key part of Kenya’s aviation scene for over two decades. Located in Olooloitikosh, about 50 kilometers south of Nairobi, it was built around 2000 by members of the Aero Club of East Africa, including Ririani himself.
At its core, it was meant to be a residential airfield where aviation enthusiasts could live close to runways and fly recreationally. Over time, however, it became much more.
With two runways and facilities that support training, skydiving, microlights, balloons, and light aircraft operations, it has grown into a hub for both professionals and hobbyists.
But beneath this growth, tensions have persisted. Ririani, through his Kenya School of Flying, has often clashed with management over issues like runway expansions.
Earlier this year, he chained himself to an aircraft in protest, claiming unsafe conditions and congestion.
Later, he carried placards accusing the management of blocking expansion of a 700-meter grass runway that he wanted extended to 1,000 meters. He even leased nearby land for this purpose but insists that management has resisted, either due to politics or personal interests.
Now, matters have escalated, with accusations that his latest push involves intimidation and questionable tactics rather than open dialogue and agreed processes.
This fight is not just about personalities but about the future of aviation in Kenya. Orly is part of what has been called the “Kajiado Skies” vision, an idea that seeks to turn the county into a regional aviation hub.
The benefits could be massive, jobs for locals, new opportunities for training, growth in tourism, and innovation in aviation technology.
Orly was also meant to help ease congestion at Wilson Airport in Nairobi, giving Kenya the room to expand its aviation capacity. If the facility continues to grow responsibly, it could become a key pillar in Kenya’s transport and economic development.
Yet the risks of allowing shortcuts are real. An attempted takeover that sidesteps procedures could lead to unsafe developments, poorly planned infrastructure, and a collapse of trust among stakeholders.
For a veteran pilot with decades of experience, Ririani should be championing safety and proper processes rather than being linked to questionable maneuvers.
The people of Kajiado see Orly as more than land it is a chance to bring real change to their county and to the country.
Authorities now have a responsibility to protect Orly Airpark from being swallowed by power plays.
Aviation is a field where discipline, transparency, and safety cannot be compromised. If intimidation and behind-the-scenes deals are allowed to shape its future, Kenya risks losing an aviation jewel that has the potential to change lives and expand opportunities.
The promise of the Kajiado skies must not be derailed by personal battles. Instead, it should be protected so that future generations of pilots, engineers, and innovators can find their wings there.
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