‘Hero of the skies’: George Were laid to rest in Kisumu, Ruto hails his service and dedication

Burial of George Were, helicopter pilot killed in Nandi crash. (PHOTO: PS Omollo - X)

President William Ruto has expressed condolences to the family of retired Lieutenant Colonel George Were, describing him as an outstanding aviator and a patriotic Kenyan who served the country with distinction.

The President’s message was read by Raymond Omollo, the Interior Principal Secretary, during Were’s burial ceremony in Nyakach, Kisumu County on Saturday.

Were was the pilot of the helicopter that crashed in Nandi County on February 28, 2026, killing six people, among them Johana Ng’eno, the Member of Parliament for Emurua Dikirr.

In the message, Ruto said the country was mourning a decorated aviator whose service left a lasting mark on Kenya’s aviation and military community.

“We join the family, friends, and the aviation fraternity and the people of Nyakatch, Kadianga in Kisumu County to bid farewell to retired Lieutenant Colonel George S.O. Were,” the President said.

“On behalf of my family, the government, and the people of Kenya, I convey my sincere condolences to the family, friends, and all who mourn this distinguished son of our nation.”

Ruto described Were as a dedicated officer whose career in aviation and the military reflected discipline and commitment to duty.

“We have lost an outstanding Kenyan, a renowned aviator, and a patriot who served this country with honour and distinction,” the message read.

According to the President, Were built a reputation for professionalism and calm judgment throughout his career as a pilot.

“Lieutenant Colonel Were lived a life defined by discipline, courage, and dedication to duty. And as a pilot, he was known for his professionalism, calm judgment, and exceptional flying skills.”

Ruto noted that Were carried out his responsibilities in the skies with precision and excellence, earning the respect of colleagues, commanders and passengers.

“In the skies, he carried his responsibilities with precision and excellence, earning the respect of colleagues, commanders, and the many passengers who entrusted their journeys to him.”

The President said Were steadily rose through the ranks during his service in the Kenya Defence Forces, eventually attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel.

“Through hard work and determination, he rose steadily through the ranks to the position of lieutenant colonel during his time of service at the Kenya Defense Forces.”

Ruto also highlighted that the government recognised Were’s service and skill by awarding him the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW).

“This tells you the kind of man Were was, defined by duty, courage, and a lifelong commitment to serving his country and his people.”

Beyond his professional achievements, the President described Were as a devoted family man who played an important role in his home and community.

“At home, he was a loving husband, a caring father, and a strong pillar to his family and the community.”

He added that many people who interacted with Were remembered him for his humility, wisdom and generosity.

“To many, he was not just a colleague or a leader, but a mentor and a source of inspiration.”

Family, friends and leaders during the burial of George Were, helicopter pilot killed in Nandi crash. (PHOTO: PS Omollo - X)

Family, friends and leaders during the burial of George Were, helicopter pilot killed in Nandi crash. (PHOTO: PS Omollo - X)

Interior PS Raymond Omollo during the burial of George Were, helicopter pilot killed in Nandi crash. (PHOTO: PS Omollo - X)