Governor Ole Ntuntu pays tribute to Johana Ngeno
Narok County Governor Patrick Ole Ntuntu has paid a heartfelt tribute to his son‑in‑law and close political ally, Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Ngeno, who was among six people killed in a tragic helicopter crash in Mosop Sub‑County, Nandi County, on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
In a statement shared via his X account on Monday, March 2, Ntuntu described the loss as deeply overwhelming and expressed sympathy to the families of all the victims.
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“My heart is heavy as I mourn my friend, political confidant, and son‑in‑law,” Ntuntu said.
“I conveyed my heartfelt condolences at Mogondo Village in Emurua Dikirr to the family of the late Hon. Johana Ngeno and met representatives of the other bereaved families. May their souls rest in eternal peace.”
He also extended sympathy to the families of Wycliffe Rono alias Sportpesa, Kenya Forest Service officer Amos Kipngetich Rotich, Carlos Keter, and Nick Kosgey, all of whom died in the crash.
“Pole sana to the people of Emurua Dikirr, Transmara, Narok County, the Kipsigis community, and the entire Kalenjin nation,” the governor said.
Accompanying Ntuntu were his deputy, Tamalinye Koech, Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok, Narok Woman Representative Hon. Rebecca Tonkei, Kilgoris MP Julius Ole Sunkuli, Chepalungu MP Victor Koech Mandazi, and members of the county security team.
According to the government and police, the helicopter, registered 5Y‑DSB, went down around 4:45 p.m. near Chepkiep Village, shortly after taking off for Nairobi. The aircraft had flown to several towns earlier in the day before attempting to depart from a temporary landing spot when it disappeared from radar and crashed.
The chopper burst into flames on impact, killing all six people on board, including the pilot, Captain George Were, a retired Kenya Air Force officer.
Authorities have confirmed the identities of most victims, including Hon. Johana Ngeno, Captain George Were, Amos Kipngetich Rotich, Nick Kosgey, Wycliffe Rono, and Carlos Keter. Investigations are ongoing.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID) has taken over the probe in line with international aviation standards. Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said a preliminary report is expected within 30 days.
National leaders have joined in mourning the legislator. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua described Ngeno as a great leader of the Kipsigis community, and called for a transparent investigation into the crash.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka urged swift action by aviation authorities to determine the cause and offered condolences to the bereaved families.
Parliament Speaker Moses Wetang’ula praised Ngeno as a dedicated public servant who played a key role in housing and urban development laws, while other governors and MPs described the loss as a major blow to the country’s legislative leadership.
Ngeno was serving his third term as MP for Emurua Dikirr, known for his outspoken nature and advocacy for community issues.
