A helicopter crash in western Kenya claimed six lives, including Member of Parliament Johana Ng’eno, after the aircraft burst into flames shortly after takeoff, police said.
NAIROBI, KENYA — 2026-03-01
Updated: 14:50 GMT
A helicopter crash in western Kenya on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, killed six people, including a sitting member of parliament, police and government officials said, according to official statements and reputable news reporting.
The aircraft crashed in Nandi County’s Mosop Sub-County shortly after takeoff and burst into flames, police said. County police commander Samuel Mukusi told Kenyan television that all six people on board died.
Among the dead was Johana Ng'eno, Member of Parliament for Emurua Dikirr, aged 54, who was serving his third consecutive term after being re-elected in 2022. President William Ruto identified the lawmaker in a post on X and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
Police described the crash as occurring in hilly terrain in the North Rift region. The causes of the accident have not been established, and Kenya’s civil aviation authority has not yet provided an official comment.
President Ruto wrote on his official X account that the nation’s thoughts and prayers were with the bereaved families, the people of Emurua Dikirr, and all those affected by the tragedy. Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang'ula eulogized Ng’eno as “a devoted legislator and a committed servant of the people.”
Authorities have not publicly released the identities of the other five victims.
African leaders and lawmakers frequently rely on air transport for official and constituency travel across large regions. The crash underscores persistent safety risks associated with aviation in varied terrain and weather conditions across the continent.
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