NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called for international investigators, including the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United Kingdom’s Scotland Yard, to probe the fatal helicopter crash that claimed the life of Emurua Dikirr MP Johanna Ng’eno.
Speaking on Sunday during a church service at AIPCA Nyandarua North Diocese in Nyandarua County, Gachagua said the circumstances surrounding the crash require what he termed an “independent and transparent” investigation beyond Kenya’s national agencies.
“We cannot leave such a serious matter to local agencies alone. This country needs a thorough, credible investigation. Let the FBI and Scotland Yard come and help us uncover the truth,” Gachagua said.
Ng’eno died on February 28 after a private helicopter, registration 5Y-DSB, crashed in the Chepkieb area, Mosop, Nandi County, at about 4:45 p.m., killing all six people on board.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed that investigations are underway through the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department to determine the cause of the crash.
However, the former Deputy President linked the crash to events surrounding his October 2024 impeachment, alleging that Ng’eno had previously confided in him about threats related to the vote.
“He came to see me at 2 a.m., crying, showing me messages that William Ruto had sent him, threatening him that if he didn’t impeach me, he would face dire consequences,” Gachagua claimed.
Ng’eno was among the 281 National Assembly members who voted to impeach Gachagua on October 8, 2024.
The Senate upheld the impeachment on October 17, 2024, finding him guilty on five counts, including gross violation of the Constitution, corruption, and insubordination, under Article 145 of the Constitution.
Gachagua alleged that he advised Ng’eno to sign the impeachment motion, saying resistance would not change the outcome and could endanger the MP and his family.
“I told him Ruto has the numbers; he has bought everybody. Even if you don’t sign, it will change nothing. Instead of endangering your life and your family, just sign,” he said.
He further claimed that State agencies monitored his movements and communications, alleging that the National Intelligence Service bugged his hotel room during a separate meeting with Ng’eno in Kisumu.
By the time of publication, the State House and the NIS had not publicly responded to the allegations.
