Six Dead, Including Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno, After Helicopter Crash in Nandi County
Tragedy struck in the Chepkieb Forest area of Mosop, Nandi County, on Saturday evening when a helicopter carrying six people, including Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Ng’eno, crashed and burst into flames, killing everyone on board.
The incident occurred at approximately 4:45 p.m. local time. Witnesses reported that the aircraft had made an emergency landing around 4:00 p.m. due to deteriorating weather conditions, including heavy rain and poor visibility. The pilot briefly interacted with local herders near the makeshift landing site before attempting to take off again.
Moments after lifting off, the helicopter failed to gain sufficient altitude and reportedly struck trees at the edge of the forest. The impact was immediate and catastrophic — the aircraft burst into flames upon hitting the ground.
“There was a loud bang, and then the chopper was engulfed in fire almost instantly,” one resident who arrived at the scene shortly after the crash told reporters.
All six occupants — including the pilot — are believed to have died on impact. The helicopter had earlier ferried five passengers from Endebess before the fatal crash.
As darkness fell, debris from the wreckage lay scattered across the forest edge — twisted metal, charred fragments, and personal items marking the grim site. Nandi County Police Commander Samuel Mukuusi confirmed the fatalities but noted that formal identification of the victims was still underway.
“We can confirm that a helicopter crashed in Mosop and six people are feared dead. Investigations are ongoing,” he stated.
Preliminary reports indicate that documents belonging to an official from the Kenya Forest Service were recovered at the scene, though authorities have not confirmed whether the official was among the deceased.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrived at the crash site late Saturday and have taken over the scene. The area has been secured pending recovery of remains and detailed examination of the wreckage.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department have launched a joint probe into the cause of the crash. Early indications point to possible weather-related factors, including heavy rain and low visibility, but mechanical failure or other contributing elements have not been ruled out.
President William Ruto is expected to issue a statement on the tragedy, which has sent shockwaves across the political and local communities in Nandi County. Flags are already flying at half-mast in several government offices in the region.
The families of the deceased have not yet been officially notified, and authorities have appealed for calm as identification and next-of-kin procedures are completed.
This is a developing story. Further updates, including official confirmation of identities and preliminary investigation findings, will be released as more information becomes available. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this heartbreaking incident.
