House, plot, fees & jobs: What families of chopper crash victims have requested Ruto
By Charles Ouma, March 6, 2026President William Ruto was among mourners who attended the burial service for five victims of the tragic helicopter accident that also claimed the life of Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Ng’eno.
During the sombre event in which tears and tributes flowed freely, one family after the other painted a clear picture of how the deceased supported them, leaving no doubt that they were a lifeline to their families and relatives.
Below are the requests made by the families of four of those who perished in the accident.
Robert Keter (Carlos)
The family of the late Robert Keter (Carlos) paid their heartfelt tribute during the burial at Emurua Dikirr Primary School, appreciating the pledges made and appealing for intervention to ensure that those who depended on the deceased are supported.
The family paraded several relatives in colleges and universities across the country, including those yet to join, painting a clear picture of the burden that they face following the demise of their kin.
“We greatly appreciate the pledges made towards providing job opportunities for members of our family and paying school fees for those in school, as Carlos was paying for their education,” a representative of the family said.
The family also revealed that the deceased had plans to build his parents a house and passed on the request to Ruto, hoping for his support in seeing the project achieved.
Wycliffe Rono
The family of the late Wycliffe Rono also shared their difficult situation, explaining that he was a sole breadwinner who not only provided for his family but also supported many other relatives.
The family appealed to the president to consider helping her secure a job to provide for her young family.
The family of the late Nicholas Kosgei mourned him as the sole breadwinner and pillar of the family, urging the president to intervene.
Nicholas Kosgei
The family of the late Nicholas Kosgei shared that the small piece of land on which they live has not been paid for and expressed hope that an intervention would see them get land.
They shared their dilemma upon learning of his death, sharing that they were not even sure of where he would be buried as they do now own any land.
They also appealed for support in educating the deceased’s younger sister.
Amos Rotich
Rotich’s mother was overcome with emotion as she stated that the deceased had passed on not long after landing his job in government, leaving them in a difficult situation.
She pleaded with Ruto to pick one of her children for employment to make the burden lighter for the family.
They also appealed for financial support to meet the cost of educating the deceased’s younger siblings, who depended on him.