Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng'eno, 6 others dead in helicopter crash

Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno is among six people who died after a helicopter crashed in Chepkiep, Mosop Constituency, Nandi County. The lawmaker and his aides were on board the aircraft at the time of the crash. The helicopter is reported to have attempted an emergency landing before bursting into flames. Emergency response teams remain at the scene as investigations begin. Witnesses say the helicopter later lifted off but did not get far. It reportedly crashed into trees a few metres away at the edge of the forest. “The impact was instant and fiery,” said one resident who arrived at the scene shortly after the crash. “The chopper burst into flames immediately.” All six people on board, including the pilot, are believed to have died on the spot. The aircraft had reportedly ferried five passengers en route from Endebess before the crash. The chopper went down at about 4.45pm, moments after attempting to take off from a makeshift landing site near the forest, following what witnesses described as poor visibility caused by ongoing rains in the area. According to residents, the aircraft had earlier made an emergency landing at around 4pm as weather conditions deteriorated. The pilot is said to have briefly engaged herders near the site in conversation while assessing the situation. As darkness fell over the area, debris from the helicopter lay scattered across the forest edge — twisted metal and charred fragments marking the scene of the tragedy. Nandi County Police Commander Samuel Mukuusi confirmed the incident but said the identities of the deceased had not yet been established. Senator Samson Cherargei and Tinderet MPJulius Melly have arrived at the site, accompanied by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. Police are expected to move the bodies to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital morgue shortly as part of ongoing procedures. Investigations into the cause of the crash are underway.