Opposition leaders on Sunday called for a thorough investigation into the chopper crash that claimed the life of Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Ng’eno and five others on Saturday.
The crash occurred on Saturday at Chepkiep, Mosop Constituency, Nandi County, killing the three-term lawmaker, pilot George Were, the MP’s photographer Nick Kosgei, Kenya Forest Service (KFS) ranger Amos Kipngetich Rotich, teacher Robert Keter and Wycliffe Kiprotich Rono, a protocol officer at the Narok County government.
A scene where a chopper crashed at Chepkiep Village in Mosop Sub-County of Nandi County on February 28, 2026, where six occupants died on the spot. MP Johana N'geno (inset) was one of the chopper passengers.
Photo credit: File, Jared Nyataya | Nation
Speaking during a church service at the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) in Ndaragwa, Nyandarua County, opposition leaders urged that the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the UK’s Scotland Yard be invited to lead an independent probe.
“We want a thorough and independent investigation into the chopper crash that killed Johana Ng’eno, so the truth can be known. Kenyans deserve to know who and what caused this tragedy,” said Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua.
Mr Gachagua, who described Ng’eno as both a political ally and close confidant, revealed that the late MP had faced threats and intimidation during his impeachment process. He recalled a meeting with MP Ng’eno at a Kisumu hotel months before his own impeachment, during which the legislator first disclosed plans by the Kenya Kwanza administration to impeach him.
“During that period, my room was bugged by undercover National Intelligence Service (NIS) agents to record my conversation with Johana Ng’eno. He was intimidated and constantly threatened after that incident,” Mr Gachagua explained. He added that his last conversation with Ng’eno was the previous week, when the MP invited him to visit Bomet and other South Rift counties to engage residents.
Other opposition leaders, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Jubilee presidential flagbearer Dr Fred Matiang’i, and Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, joined calls for a comprehensive probe.
Mr Musyoka drew parallels with the unexplained death of former Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogola, stressing the need for transparency.
“We want a professional and independent investigation into this crash so Kenyans are informed about what exactly happened,” he said.
Dr Matiang’i echoed these sentiments, highlighting Mr Ng’eno’s commitment to public service. “We lost a dedicated servant of the people. His death must be investigated thoroughly and the findings shared publicly,” he said.
Mr Wamalwa described the incident as “deeply concerning,” particularly given the proximity to the general elections, calling for a serious and transparent investigation.
The MP has been widely remembered as a steadfast, fearless and selfless leader. President William Ruto described him as a “progressive servant of the people who worked tirelessly for the residents of Emurua Dikirr and promoted local talent, particularly in music.”
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen praised the late MP for his courage and commitment to empowerment programs nationwide, while Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot expressed condolences to Ng’eno’s family.
Judicial Service Commission Vice Chairman Isaac Ruto highlighted the MP’s advocacy for young artists and cultural initiatives.
Preliminary investigations suggest that poor weather contributed to the crash. The helicopter had made an emergency landing near Chepkiep Forest after encountering adverse conditions. Witnesses said the aircraft touched down safely, with the pilot interacting briefly with locals. However, after attempting to take off again when conditions seemed marginally better, the helicopter reportedly lost stability and crashed into the Nandi North Forest.
At the time, Ng’eno was returning from Endebes in Trans Nzoia County, where he had attended a cultural celebration of a veteran Kalenjin musician.
