NAIROBI, Kenya — Investigators have completed the retrieval of critical evidence from the site of the Youth Aviation helicopter crash in Nandi County that killed Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno, four aides, and the pilot on Saturday, February 28.
A multi-agency team, including homicide detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and aviation experts, combed through the wreckage on Monday. Officers recovered flight instruments and technical components described as the helicopter’s “black box” equivalent, expected to shed light on the aircraft’s final moments.
The wreckage, registered as 5Y-DSB, has been transported to Nairobi for detailed forensic and technical analysis. Some components will be sent abroad for specialist metallurgical testing and advanced data recovery, investigators said.
Nandi County Criminal Investigations Officer Peter Ochieng confirmed that an inquest has been opened. He urged the public to refrain from speculation as authorities move into the next phase of analysis.
“We are committed to revealing every piece of information necessary to determine the cause of this accident. A full report will be ready within 30 days,” Ochieng said.
“We have collected all necessary samples. The scene has been fully cleared, and the debris will be transported to secure aviation facilities in Nairobi for detailed forensic examination. We are moving into the next stage, which involves examining every piece of recovered evidence in detail. The process is thorough and professional, and a comprehensive report will be ready within 30 days,” he added.
The five victims — including pilot George Were — died after the helicopter crashed at Chepkieb in Nandi County while returning from an event in Endebess, Trans Nzoia County.
Meanwhile, Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu unveiled a joint funeral programme for the late MP and his aides, assuring the public that the county government will cater for all burial expenses.
The memorial programme begins on Wednesday, March 4, with a church mass at Africa Gospel Church (AGC) in Karen, Nairobi. On Thursday, March 5, in keeping with Kipsigis customs, the bodies of Ng’eno and his aide Wycliffe Rono will be transported to their rural homes for an overnight vigil.
The same day, the bodies of Carlos Keter, Nick Kosgey, and Amos Kipngetich will leave Nairobi after a requiem mass at Emurua Dikirr Primary School to allow members of the public to pay their last respects.
A joint ceremony for all five victims will take place on Friday, March 6, at Emurua Dikirr Primary School and is expected to draw national and county leaders. Families will then proceed with private burials at their respective homes.
Governor Ntutu said all arrangements have been coordinated to ensure dignity and proper preservation at Lee Funeral Home.
The outcome of the ongoing investigation is expected to determine whether mechanical failure, human error, or other factors contributed to the crash, as aviation authorities work alongside criminal investigators to piece together the helicopter’s final flight path.
