Details of passengers in ill-fated Mosop chopper that claimed life of MP Ngeno emerge

Authorities have released details of the passengers who were on board the ill-fated helicopter that crashed in Mosop, Nandi County, claiming six lives.

The helicopter, registration 5Y-D5B, went down at 4:45 pm at Chepkieb area shortly after take off.

The area chief who reported the incident said they rushed to the scene where they found bodies scattered alongside the wreckage.

Among those who perished was Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno.

He was travelling with members of his team at the time of the crash.

The pilot of the aircraft has been identified as George Were from Nyakach in Kisumu.

Also confirmed dead was Amos Kipngetich Rotich, a forester and bodyguard attached to the MP. 

Rotich hailed from Emurua Dikirr.

Nick Koskey, a cameraman from Bomet County, was also among the victims.

Other passengers identified include Carlos Keter, a high school teacher who hails from Emurua Dikirr, and Wycliffe Rono, an employee at the Narok County government.

Rono was also a resident of Emurua Dikirr.

Authorities indicated that two of the bodies recovered from the crash site were burnt beyond recognition, making immediate identification difficult. 

The remainder of the six were moved last night to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital morgue in Eldoret.

Initial reports show that the crash occurred due to bad weather in the area.

The chopper crashed and caught fire.

Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.

Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said in a statement that the aircraft was operating a flight from Endebes to Mosoriot at the time of the incident.

The agency said it has initiated procedures to support investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash. 

The probe will be conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID).

“KCAA has initiated the necessary procedures to support the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID). Further details will be provided as more verified information becomes available,” the Authority said.

The regulator also conveyed its sympathies to those affected by the tragedy. 

“The Authority extends its sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected,” said Director General Emile Arao.