Terror in the skies: Jambojet flight to Kisumu survives violent storm
What began as a routine afternoon flight quickly turned into sheer terror for passengers travelling from Nairobi to Kisumu aboard a Jambojet aircraft.
Flight JM8656 had departed Nairobi at 3:30pm and was only minutes from landing at Kisumu International Airport when the aircraft flew straight into a violent storm.
Sudden descent into chaos
Passengers say the flight had been calm until the plane began its descent toward Kisumu. Then, without warning, heavy rain and powerful winds slammed into the aircraft.
The cabin began shaking violently as turbulence intensified. Visibility outside the windows disappeared into thick grey cloud and sheets of rain.
According to passenger Humphrey Oborah, the aircraft suddenly dropped to what felt like a dangerously low altitude over Lake Victoria.
Many on board believed the plane was moments from crashing into the water.
Passengers screamed. Others prayed loudly. Some braced themselves against their seats, convinced the worst was about to happen.
The pilot had aborted the landing at the very last moment. For passengers, the sudden climb felt like a last-second escape from disaster.
Anxiety continues on the return flight
Even after the decision to return to Nairobi, fear did not immediately disappear. On the way back, the aircraft had to circle before being cleared to land, prolonging the tension inside the cabin.
When the plane finally touched down safely, relief swept through passengers. Some chose not to continue the journey, shaken by what they had just experienced.
Tears, prayers and applause
After refuelling, the aircraft later made a second attempt to Kisumu. This time, the flight was calm and uneventful.
But the emotional release when the plane finally landed was overwhelming.
"When we touched down, the cabin erupted — not in fear, but relief. Applause. Tears. Shouts of 'Praise the Lord!' Strangers embraced."
Passengers later praised the pilot and crew for their calmness and skill during what many described as the most frightening experience of their lives.
For those on board, the flight served as a stark reminder of how quickly conditions in the air can change — and how close the journey felt to tragedy.
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