Emotional scenes unfolded during a joint requiem service held for the six victims of the Nandi helicopter crash at the Africa Gospel Church in Karen, Nairobi, as families, friends, and leaders gathered to mourn those who lost their lives in the tragic accident.
The victims died on Saturday at around 4:45 pm when a helicopter crashed in Chepkieb Forest in Mosop, Nandi County. Among those who perished was Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Ng’eno. The crash also claimed the lives of pilot George Were, Amos Kipngetich Rotich, a Kenya Forest Service officer who also served as the MP’s bodyguard, the MP’s photographer Nick Koskei, high school teacher Carlos Keter, and Wycliffe Rono, an employee of the Narok County government.
Earlier on Wednesday morning, families and close friends gathered at the Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi for prayers before proceeding to the church in Karen for the joint requiem service. The gathering drew leaders from different political parties, members of the clergy, and members of the public who came to show solidarity with the grieving families.
During the service, the family of the late MP Johana Ng’eno delivered an emotional tribute, remembering him as a dedicated leader who served the people of Emurua Dikirr with commitment and humility. Speaking on behalf of the family, Barnabas Ng’eno described the loss as deeply painful but said they were also celebrating the meaningful life their son had lived and the impact he made in his community.
Details shared during the service revealed that Amos Kipngetich Rotich reportedly jumped from the helicopter moments before it crashed. He is said to have survived for about 30 minutes and repeatedly asked about the condition of the MP.
Witnesses said that when he was informed that the MP had died, Rotich expressed deep despair, saying that if Ng’eno had died there was no reason for him to continue living. He passed away shortly afterward.
Families of the victims expressed gratitude to political leaders, friends, and communities across Kenya for the support and prayers they have received during the difficult period of mourning.