Shock and sorrow have gripped the nation following the death of Johanna Ngeno and his personal photographer Nick Kosgei in a helicopter crash in Chepkiep Forest in Nandi County.
The Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament was travelling with five other people on Saturday, February 28, when their helicopter went down and burst into flames.
Eyewitnesses said the aircraft had briefly landed outside the forest before taking off again moments before the fatal crash.
Kosgei, a journalist who had closely worked with the MP, was documenting the visit as Ngeno assessed flood damage in the Mara Rianta area near the Mara River.
Heavy rains have recently caused destruction in parts of Nandi and Narok counties, prompting leaders to inspect affected regions.
Hours before the crash, Kosgei shared videos from inside the helicopter showing the MP seated next to the pilot as they flew over flooded sections.
Those clips would later become his final recordings.
Known for his determination in politics and community work, he championed local musicians and supported Kalenjin communities beyond Kenya.
Friends and supporters describe Ngeno’s life as defined by resilience.
From humble beginnings, he rose to national politics through persistence and grassroots engagement.
The manner of his death has been felt as cruel and undeserved by those Leaked WhatsApp messages shared by his close friend Engineer Kipchirchir Mosonik revealed their last conversation.
In what would become Kosgei’s final message, he wrote at around 11:30 am that they were waiting for the chopper and that he would inform him once they took off.
Mosonik later said he tried reaching him in the evening but received no reply. Reports indicate the crash occurred at about 4:45 pm.
The tragic loss of the MP and his team has sparked an outpouring of grief online, with many Kenyans sending messages of comfort to the families of the victims as investigations into the cause of the crash continue.
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