The Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID) has formally taken over investigations into Saturday’s helicopter crash that killed Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno and five other people in Mosop, Nandi County.
The National Police Service (NPS) spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the move is in accordance with standard operating procedures and international civil aviation guidelines governing aircraft accidents.
“Officers from the National Police Service remain at the scene to secure the area and provide the requisite support to the aircraft accident investigators. We appeal to the public to remain calm as investigations continue,” Nyaga said in a statement.
Further updates regarding the investigation will be provided by the lead investigating agency in due course.
The long-serving legislator died following the 4:45 pm crash on Saturday.
The accident claimed the lives of all six individuals on board, sending shockwaves across the political landscape and his Emurua Dikirr constituency.
Ng’eno was first elected to Parliament in 2013 on a Kenya National Congress (KNC) ticket. He went on to defy shifting regional political tides to retain his seat in 2017 under the Kenya African National Union (KANU) and again in 2022 on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.
His ability to survive politically across party lines made him one of the most resilient figures in South Rift politics.
At the time of his death, Ng’eno chaired the Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works in the 13th Parliament.
Under his leadership, the committee played an instrumental role in the passage of the Affordable Housing Act, 2024, which established a framework for the development and access to decent and affordable housing for Kenyans.
In the 12th Parliament, he served as a member of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, where he was known for his outspoken contributions during legislative debates.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has since constituted a team to coordinate with the family in planning the burial arrangements of the late legislator.
Following the demise of the vocal MP, Wetang’ula appointed Tinderet MP Julius Melly, assisted by Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri, to lead the coordination team.
“As we mourn the loss of a devoted legislator and a committed servant of the people, I have appointed a team led by the Member for Tinderet Constituency, Hon. Julius Melly, CBS, MP, and assisted by Hon. Mugambi Rindikiri, CBS, MP, and eight other Members, to liaise with the family to coordinate support for the family, including the send-off, upon decision by the family,” read a statement released by Wetang’ula.
Leaders across the political divide have continued to send messages of condolence, describing Ng’eno as a fearless and dedicated representative whose voice will be greatly missed in Parliament and beyond.
