The Kenyan government has taken charge of funeral arrangements for MP Johana Ng’eno and the other victims of the fatal helicopter crash, coordinating a state-led burial process.
Mr Ng’eno was a three-term MP for Emurua Dikirr (first elected in 2013 and re-elected in 2017 and 2022).
He was an active and sometimes controversial figure in Kenyan politics and chaired parliamentary committees.
A helicopter Johana Ng’eno was traveling in, crashed in Nandi County, western Kenya, killing all six people on board.
The aircraft, a Eurocopter AS350 (registration 5Y-DSB), came down shortly after takeoff in Chepkiep village in Mosop Sub-County.
Police and aviation authorities are investigating, and bad weather is considered a likely factor; investigators have recovered critical flight instruments (including the black box) for analysis.
The victims included the pilot Captain George Were, a Kenya Forest Service ranger, the MP’s photographer, a teacher and a county government official.
Preliminary reports suggest the helicopter was flying at a low altitude, hit trees, and burst into flames.
The flight had made several stops earlier that day, including for constituency and relief visits, before the fatal final leg from Tabolwa in Nandi County.
President William Ruto expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the families and constituents affected by the tragedy.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other leaders have called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the crash.
About the Author
