The image of the late Col (Rtd) Captain George Were, the pilot who tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash at Chepkiep Village, Mosop Sub-County, Nandi County on February 28, 2026. Six people died on the spot in the crash, including Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Kipyegon Ngeno.
The family of pilot George Were, who was flying the helicopter that crashed in Nandi County, killing six people, including an MP, has said he was set to retire later this year.
Speaking at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Sunday while receiving his body, family members said they were devastated by his sudden death.
Dr Francis Were, the pilot’s immediate elder brother, said he was due to retire in September upon attaining 65 years, marking the end of a long military career.
“When this happened, it was something we least expected because in his career as a pilot, he had never been involved in an air accident. This is the first one and the last and the most devastating,” Dr Were said.
He described his brother as the family’s elder sibling and a peaceful man who related well with everyone.
Dr Were said the late pilot leaves behind a widow and two grown-up children, both in college.
He added that the tragedy occurred just as the brothers were planning to meet over the weekend for a family catch-up.
According to Hesbond Omondi, a cousin of the late pilot, George Were, joined the military in 1983 and steadily rose through the ranks.
“He had been flying his entire life since joining the military. He was a very experienced pilot. George had more than 4,000 flying hours. He flew as a fighter pilot and was highly experienced,” Mr Omondi said.
Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen condoles with Emily Omondi Were, widow of the late Col (Rtd) Captain George Were, the pilot who tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash at Chepkiep Village, Mosop Sub-County, Nandi County on February 28, 2026. Six people died on the spot in the crash, including Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Kipyegon Ngeno. Picture taken at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir assured the families of the six victims that investigations into the crash had begun to establish its cause.
Mr Murkomen said the government would support the family of the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno in funeral preparations, including enhancing security at his home.
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