The Final Flight: Inside the Last Hours of Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno

The final hours of Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Kipyegon Ng’eno unfolded as a day filled with community service, cultural celebration, and public engagement before ending in a tragic helicopter crash that claimed six lives.

The three-term legislator died on Saturday, February 28, 2026, when the helicopter he was travelling in crashed in the Chepkiep area of Mosop Sub-County, Nandi County.

Morning: Rescue Efforts in His Constituency

Ng’eno began his final day actively serving residents in his constituency.

On Saturday morning, the MP joined a search and rescue operation along the Mara River in Narok County after two young men were swept away by floodwaters the previous Sunday night.

The outspoken legislator shared updates about the mission on his social media pages, warning residents about the dangers posed by swollen rivers during the ongoing rainy season. He urged locals to exercise caution when crossing flooded areas and roads.

Journalist Stephen Letoo later revealed that he had planned to meet the MP later that day in Dikirr after completing his own morning engagements in Kilgoris, only to learn that Ng’eno had joined the rescue efforts.

Midday: Journey to a Cultural Celebration

Later in the day, Ng’eno travelled to Kapkugo in Tulwop Kony, Endebes, Trans Nzoia County, where he joined friends, fans, and local leaders to celebrate Kalenjin musician Artist Kim Kim and mark his 35th anniversary in the music industry.

In a Facebook post shared shortly after his arrival, the MP wrote that he had joined the celebrations to honour the veteran musician’s contribution to Kalenjin music.

Videos shared from the event showed Ng’eno in high spirits, singing and dancing alongside supporters. Women dressed in sinendet—traditional grass adornments symbolising peace and blessings—welcomed him with songs as he interacted freely with the crowd.

Witnesses described the MP as cheerful and energetic during the festivities.

Early Afternoon: Helicopter Movements

Ng’eno had been using a helicopter for his movements that day.

The aircraft—an Airbus Helicopters H125 with registration 5Y-DSB—had departed from Wilson Airport earlier in the day at approximately 11:02 am.

After completing engagements in Trans Nzoia, the aircraft later headed toward Nandi County.

Late Afternoon: Emergency Landing in Nandi

At around 4:45 pm, the helicopter encountered deteriorating weather conditions while approaching Mosop.

Reports indicated that thick mist and rain had significantly reduced visibility in the area. As a precaution, the pilot made an emergency landing near Chepkiep Forest.

Residents nearby reportedly interacted briefly with those on board as the crew assessed the situation and waited for conditions to improve.

Moments Later: The Fatal Crash

After weather conditions appeared to improve slightly, the helicopter attempted to take off again.

However, shortly after lifting off, the aircraft reportedly lost stability and crashed into a forested area before bursting into flames.

All six people on board died in the crash.

Investigations and Official Confirmation

Nandi County Police Commander Samuel Mukuusi confirmed that no survivors were found at the scene.

The bodies of the victims were later moved to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary in Eldoret.

Authorities from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority launched an investigation through the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department to determine the exact cause of the crash, with poor visibility emerging as a key factor.