What began as a routine charter flight ended in devastating loss, leaving families shattered and the country searching for answers.
The accident occurred on Saturday, February 28, when an Eurocopter 350, registration number 5Y-DSB, crashed and burst into flames amid heavy rainfall and poor visibility.
The accident occurred on Saturday, February 28, when an Eurocopter 350, registration number 5Y-DSB, crashed and burst into flames amid heavy rainfall and poor visibility.
The aircraft, operated by Youth Aviation Ltd, had departed Wilson Airport in Nairobi at 11:02 am, ferrying the MP and his team on a meet-the-people and flood assessment tour in the Mara River region.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described harrowing moments leading up to the crash. According to locals, thick mist had engulfed the area, forcing the pilot to attempt an emergency landing in a nearby forest. After briefly touching down, the helicopter attempted to take off again.
“We heard it land and saw people come out looking shocked,” one eyewitness recounted. “When it lifted again, it barely lasted two minutes before crashing into trees. Then there was fire.”
The impact scattered the occupants, and although one passenger was initially found breathing, efforts to save him were unsuccessful. The tragedy has since sparked nationwide grief and renewed scrutiny of flight safety under extreme weather conditions.
Among the deceased was MP Johana Ng’eno, a third-term legislator known for his outspoken style and deep grassroots connection. Born in Narok County in 1972, Ng’eno had an extensive academic background, having studied international law in Ukraine before earning additional degrees in Kenya.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described harrowing moments leading up to the crash. According to locals, thick mist had engulfed the area, forcing the pilot to attempt an emergency landing in a nearby forest. After briefly touching down, the helicopter attempted to take off again.
“We heard it land and saw people come out looking shocked,” one eyewitness recounted. “When it lifted again, it barely lasted two minutes before crashing into trees. Then there was fire.”
The impact scattered the occupants, and although one passenger was initially found breathing, efforts to save him were unsuccessful. The tragedy has since sparked nationwide grief and renewed scrutiny of flight safety under extreme weather conditions.
Among the deceased was MP Johana Ng’eno, a third-term legislator known for his outspoken style and deep grassroots connection. Born in Narok County in 1972, Ng’eno had an extensive academic background, having studied international law in Ukraine before earning additional degrees in Kenya.
His political career spanned over a decade, and at the time of his death, he was serving his third consecutive term in Parliament.
Also killed was the pilot, Captain George Were, a seasoned aviator described by colleagues as professional and highly experienced.
Also killed was the pilot, Captain George Were, a seasoned aviator described by colleagues as professional and highly experienced.
Despite his familiarity with Kenya’s challenging terrain and weather, the conditions on that afternoon proved unforgiving.
Another victim was Amos Kipngetich Rotich, a Kenya Forest Service officer attached to the Migori Forest Station.
Another victim was Amos Kipngetich Rotich, a Kenya Forest Service officer attached to the Migori Forest Station.
Rotich was widely respected for his dedication to conservation and hailed from Transmara Sub-County in Narok County.
Nick Kosgei, a journalist and photographer, also lost his life. Known for documenting political and human-interest stories, Kosgei had shared videos from the trip just hours before the crash.
Nick Kosgei, a journalist and photographer, also lost his life. Known for documenting political and human-interest stories, Kosgei had shared videos from the trip just hours before the crash.
His death has deeply affected the media fraternity and Kenyans online, many of whom described him as passionate and full of promise.
The fifth victim was Mwalimu Carlos Keter, a young teacher from Nandi County who had only recently been employed by the Teachers Service Commission.
The fifth victim was Mwalimu Carlos Keter, a young teacher from Nandi County who had only recently been employed by the Teachers Service Commission.
His appointment in January 2026 marked a long-awaited breakthrough—one he would never live to enjoy.
Completing the list was SportPesa Ronoh, a close aide and supporter of Ng’eno who frequently helped coordinate the MP’s constituency activities.
Completing the list was SportPesa Ronoh, a close aide and supporter of Ng’eno who frequently helped coordinate the MP’s constituency activities.
He also worked at the Narok County Government but remained deeply involved in the MP’s political work.
In the aftermath, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula announced the formation of a parliamentary committee to coordinate funeral arrangements.
In the aftermath, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula announced the formation of a parliamentary committee to coordinate funeral arrangements.
Meanwhile, investigations have been launched by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department to establish the exact cause of the crash.
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