An Eldoret-based photographer has recounted how he narrowly escaped the helicopter crash that claimed the life of Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno and five others in Mosop, Nandi County.
Kipchirchir Mosonik, a close friend of the late legislator, narrated the ordeal after boarding the ill-fated chopper earlier in the day from Eldoret to Endebess.
Speaking after learning of the tragedy, Mosonik said Ng’eno had personally called him in the morning with travel plans.
"Mheshimiwa called me in the morning and told me they would pick me up in Eldoret so that we could go to Endebess,” he said.
According to Mosonik, when the MP arrived in Eldoret, he opted to proceed directly to Endebess before arranging for him to be picked up.
“When Mhesh arrived in Eldoret, he chose to go straight to Endebess and later instructed the pilot to come and pick me at Eldoret airport,” he explained.
Mosonik was later picked, where he joined the team in Endebess for the event.
After the function, however, travel arrangements changed.
“After the Endebess event, the chopper was full, and Mhesh wanted to go to Narok. I was left with his personal assistant to use the vehicle since we were heading to Eldoret,” he said.
The two then opted to travel by road.
“We used the vehicle to Kitale first before connecting to Eldoret,” Mosonik recounted.
It was during that road journey that the devastating news reached them.
“Before we could reach Kitale, we received news about the chopper crash,” he said, describing the moment as shocking and difficult to comprehend.
Asked about the condition of the helicopter earlier in the day, Mosonik said the flight to Endebess had appeared normal but noted that the pilot seemed pressed for time when departing.
“When he left Endebess with those on board, the pilot was a bit in a hurry because he had to return to Nairobi,” Mosonik said.
He also recalled the late MP’s mood before departure.
"Mhesh was lively and happy when he left Endebess,” he said.
“I bid him farewell as he boarded the chopper.”
Mosonik’s account paints a poignant picture of a narrow escape and the final moments before the fatal flight. Having shared part of the journey earlier in the day, he now counts himself fortunate to be alive.
The crash claimed the lives of Ng’eno and five others, sending shockwaves across the country.
For Mosonik, the tragedy is deeply personal, a sudden loss of a close friend and a brush with death that he says he is still struggling to process.
The helicopter, registration 5Y-D5B, went down at the Chepkieb area in Nandi county at 4:45 pm.
President William Ruto led Kenyans in mourning the MP.
He expressed profound shock and sadness over his passing.
In a statement released Saturday evening, the President described Ng’eno as “a progressive and devoted servant of the people who worked tirelessly on behalf of the residents of Emurua Dikirr, Narok County.”
“He was focused, vocal, and fearless; a leader who stood firmly for justice and equity for all,” Ruto said, highlighting the MP’s dedication to his constituents.
The President further noted that Ng’eno would be remembered for “the tangible progress achieved under his leadership and his exemplary commitment to promoting local talent, especially in music.”
Ruto extended his condolences to the late MP’s family, friends, and the people of Emurua Dikirr.
He also offered prayers for all victims and families affected by the helicopter crash.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!