A Kenyan member of parliament was among six people killed Saturday after a helicopter crashed and burst into flames shortly after takeoff in western Kenya, police said, in an accident that occurred amid poor weather conditions.
The aircraft went down in a hilly area on the edge of Chepkieb Forest in Mosop, Nandi County, at approximately 4:45 p.m., according to local authorities. All six people on board, including the pilot, died at the scene.
Police chief Samuel Mukuusi told The Associated Press that the helicopter had lifted off minutes earlier before it crashed and ignited. Among the victims was Johana Ng’eno, the lawmaker representing Emurua Dikirr constituency.
Mukuusi said investigators had launched an inquiry into the cause of the crash. Kenya’s Civil Aviation Authority had not issued a statement as of Sunday.
Witnesses in the area described deteriorating weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and poor visibility, around the time of the accident. Residents said the helicopter had earlier made an emergency landing at about 4 p.m. as conditions worsened. The pilot was seen speaking briefly with herders near a makeshift landing site while assessing the situation before attempting to take off again, according to accounts from locals.
The aircraft, which reportedly had departed from Endebess carrying five passengers, crashed moments after becoming airborne.
The remains of the six victims were transferred to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) morgue in Eldoret County.
MTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Philip Kirwa confirmed the hospital had received the bodies. He said they were severely burned and urged families to remain patient as forensic teams work to complete identification and preparation procedures.
Leaders from across the North Rift region gathered at the hospital to mourn and to call for calm as authorities began investigating the incident.
Nandi County Senator Samson Cherargei appealed to the public to avoid speculation about the cause of the crash and urged pilots to exercise heightened caution during the ongoing rainy season.
Parliament Speaker Moses Wetang’ula praised Ng’eno as a “devoted legislator and a committed servant of the people.”
Ng’eno, 54, was serving his third term in parliament and had secured re-election in 2022 under the ruling party. He was widely regarded as an outspoken representative of his constituency.
President William Ruto described the late lawmaker as focused and fearless, saying he consistently advocated for justice and equitable development. Ruto noted that Ng’eno would be remembered for development initiatives in Emurua Dikirr and for championing local talent, particularly in the music sector.
“My friend, Mheshimiwa Ng’eno, was a progressive and devoted servant of the people who worked tirelessly on behalf of the residents of Emurua Dikirr, Narok County,” the president said.
Deputy President Kindiki also issued a statement mourning Ng’eno, referring to him as a courageous leader and loyal member of the ruling party.
“My prayers go to the family and constituents of my dear friend Johana Ng’eno following his demise in a tragic helicopter crash earlier this evening,” Kindiki said.
Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu said he had spoken with Ng’eno earlier in the day. According to Ntutu, the lawmaker mentioned he was heading out and that they planned to meet later. The governor called on residents to remain calm and expressed confidence that investigators would determine what led to the crash.
Governors Jonathan Bii of Uasin Gishu, Wesley Rotich of Elgeyo Marakwet, and Stephen Sang of Nandi County also conveyed condolences to the victims’ families and communities.
The crash occurred during Kenya’s rainy season, when aviation experts often warn of heightened risks due to reduced visibility and unstable atmospheric conditions.
Residents near Chepkieb Forest said thick clouds and steady rainfall had limited visibility in the area Saturday afternoon. While officials have not confirmed weather as the definitive cause, authorities acknowledged that conditions were unfavorable at the time of the attempted departure.
Kenya has experienced several aviation accidents in recent years, often linked to weather challenges and difficult terrain, particularly in rural and highland regions.
Investigators are expected to examine flight records, maintenance logs and meteorological data as part of the probe. Aviation specialists typically assess pilot decision-making, aircraft condition and environmental factors when determining the cause of such incidents.
The deaths have sent shockwaves through Narok County and the broader North Rift region, where Ng’eno was a prominent political figure.
Local leaders at MTRH urged unity and patience as forensic teams carry out identification procedures. The hospital administration said further information would be released once the process is complete.
As families await answers, authorities emphasized that a comprehensive investigation is underway to establish what caused the helicopter to crash moments after takeoff.
AP/Citizen.digital
