Police outlines investigation process following MP Ng’eno’s death in chopper crash
By Steve Ireri, March 1, 2026The National Police Service (NPS) has outlined the investigation process following the death of Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Ng’eno in a tragic helicopter crash in Nandi County.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, March 1, 2026, the police service confirmed that the management of the investigation into the fatal crash had been formally handed over to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department in line with standard operating procedures and international civil aviation guidelines.
“In accordance with standard operating procedures and international civil aviation guidelines, the management of the investigation into the cause of the accident has formally been taken over by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department,” the statement said.
The service explained that the specialised aviation body would take charge of determining the cause of the accident, as is required in such incidents involving aircraft.
At the same time, NPS noted that its officers remain deployed at the crash scene to secure the area and provide the necessary support to investigators handling the probe.
“Officers from the National Police Service remain at the scene to secure the area and provide the requisite support to the aircraft accident investigators,” NPS added.
The police service also appealed to members of the public to remain calm as investigations continue, adding that further updates regarding the incident would be communicated by the lead investigating agency in due course.
“We appeal to the public to remain calm as investigations continue. Further updates regarding the investigation will be provided by the lead investigating agency in due course,” NPS noted.
In the statement, the Inspector-General of Police conveyed condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the late MP Ngeno, as well as five other individuals who lost their lives in the devastating crash.
“Following the tragic helicopter crash yesterday, 28th February 2026, the Inspector-General of Police, on behalf of the National Police Service and in his personal capacity, conveys his condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the late Hon. Johana Ngeno, Member of Parliament for Emurua Dikirr, and the five other individuals who sadly lost their lives in this devastating incident,” the statement read in part.
Untimely demise
The helicopter, an Airbus H125 with registration 5Y-DSB, went down in a densely forested area amid heavy rainfall, which is believed to have contributed to the accident.
Onlookers rushed to the site but found the victims trapped in flames, with some bodies charred beyond recognition.
Despite attempts to extinguish the fire, the intensity made rescue impossible until emergency officers arrived.
The victims’ bodies, including that of MP Ng’eno, were later transported to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, where officials confirmed they had been severely burnt.
Identification and dressing of the remains took time, with relatives and officials being guided through careful procedures to allow for proper viewing and mourning.
The crash has sent shockwaves across Nandi County, particularly in Emurua Dikirr, where Ng’eno was widely regarded as a committed and influential leader.
Born in 1972, Ng’eno grew up in poverty in the Rift Valley and overcame numerous hardships, including a famine in 1994 that forced his family to relocate. As a boy, he walked long distances with donkeys carrying charcoal and maize to earn a living.
First elected as Emurua Dikirr MP in 2013, Ng’eno successfully defended his seat in the 2017 and 2022 general elections.
He was known for his active role in community initiatives, including women’s empowerment programmes and forums supporting youth development.
National leaders expressed profound sorrow following the tragedy. Babu Owino described Ng’eno’s death as a loss not only to his family but also to Parliament and the nation.
Ndindi Nyoro called the incident traumatic, noting Ng’eno’s courage, forthrightness, and dedication to public service.
Governors and MPs from surrounding counties also visited MTRH to mourn, calling on the public to remain patient and allow authorities to investigate the cause of the crash.
Investigators have launched a probe into the accident, focusing on weather conditions, helicopter maintenance, and flight protocols, while safety warnings have been issued to pilots operating in the region during the ongoing rainy season.