- A helicopter crashed in Nandi County, claiming the life of MP Johana Ng’eno Kipyegon and five others on Saturday, February 28
- Footage reveals the aircraft faced poor weather before losing stability and crashing in a forested area
- Public outrage grows over the pilot’s decision to fly in hazardous conditions as investigations continue
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nandi – Clear footage has emerged showing the last moments of the chopper that killed Emurua Dikirr Constituency Member of Parliament Johana Ng’eno Kipyegon.
Source: Facebook
On Saturday, February 28, the aircraft, registration 5Y-DSB, crashed in Mosop sub-county, Nandi county, killing six people, among them the Emurua Dikir MP.
The lawmaker was coming from Endebes in Trans Nzoia county where he had attended a cultural celebration of a veteran Kalenjin musician.
How did Johanna Ng’eno’s helicopter crash?
A video clip has now emerged showing the last moments of the ill-fated chopper.
Approaching Mosop Sub-County in Nandi County, the helicopter encountered rapidly deteriorating weather, with mist and rain reducing visibility and creating hazardous flying conditions.
NTV reported that at one point, the chopper had to make an emergency landing due to bad weather near Chepkiep Forest in Mosop
The aircraft touched down safely, with the pilot briefly interacting with locals as he assessed the situation.
After a short pause on the ground, the helicopter reportedly attempted to take off again once conditions appeared to have improved marginally.
According to the witness’s account, moments after the second takeoff, the helicopter is reported to have lost stability.
The video shared by Naipamei Kaikai shows the aircraft struggling in the air before crashing near a forested area and bursting into flames upon impact.
Provisional reports from the police indicate the tragic crash occurred at approximately 4:45 pm.
Source: Facebook
How Kenyans reacted to Johanna Ng’eno’s chopper clip
Following the emergence of the video, some Kenyans suggested that the pilot should not have flown in the foggy weather.
@ArapTilingi:
“The weather was very bad but what forced the Pilot to force his way out of Chepkiep? They had already lost bearing since they were heading to Mosoriot and they were almost entering Tabolwa Forest.”
@neodelam:
“Why would a pilot dare to fly in such weather? This was reckless and unprofessional.”
@Mulfs_Ke:
“They had probably done it succcesfuly before, and hoped it would go the same way. Sometimes, death calls, and when it does, you are compelled to answer without fail. Those left behind are left scratching their heads, trying to figure out why you made such a tragic decision.”
@254_icon:
“Flying a helicopter in this weather especially in Rift Valley is testing God.”
Naipamei Kaikai
“The pilot had a chance of not crushing the plane but unfortunately he seemed to be too focused in flying in a foggy and fire tailed plane. May the Soul of Emurua Dikirr MP Hon. Johana Ngeno Kipyegon and 5 others rest in peace.”
What did Gachagua say about Johanna Ng’eno’s chopper crash?
Meanwhile, former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua called for thorough and speedy investigations to establish what caused the chopper crash.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader recalled how Ng’eno faced threats and intimidation during his impeachment.
Gachagua accused Kenya Kwanza Alliance administration-linked bloggers of manipulating his condolence message.
According to the former deputy president, state bloggers had edited his message to have a different meaning.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
