REQUIEM MASS HELD FOR LATE MP JOHANA NG’ENO 

A somber atmosphere engulfed the Africa Gospel Church (AGC) in Karen, Nairobi, on Wednesday morning as family members, colleagues, and leaders gathered to honour the six victims of last weekend’s tragic helicopter crash in Nandi County.

The bodies of the deceased Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Ng’eno, pilot Captain George Were, bodyguard Amos Kipngetich Rotich, photographer Nick Kosgei, teacher Carlos Keter, and Narok County government employee Wycliffe Rono were received at the church for a joint requiem service. 

Earlier in the morning, the grieving families had gathered at the Lee Funeral Home for a private prayer session before accompanying their loved ones to the final farewell.

Among those present was Naiyanoi Ntutu Ngeno, wife of the late MP, who joined the extended family in viewing the bodies and receiving mourners.

The six lost their lives on Saturday evening at approximately 4:45 pm when the helicopter they were traveling in went down in the Chepkieb Forest area, Mosop, Nandi County. The aircraft, registration 5Y-D5B, crashed and burst into flames shortly after a failed takeoff attempt.

Preliminary accounts from eyewitnesses at the scene indicate that the pilot, Captain Were, had made an initial landing due to deteriorating weather conditions. He briefly engaged with locals while assessing the situation before attempting to depart. Moments after takeoff, the helicopter lost control and crashed, leaving no survivors.

The joint requiem service brought together political leaders, civil servants, religious figures, andresidents from the affected regions, all united in grief and solidarity. Funeral arrangements for the burial of each victim are expected to be announced by their respective families following the service.