The victims died on Saturday at about 4:45 pm after a helicopter crashed in Chepkieb Forest in Mosop. Among those who lost their lives was Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Ng’eno.
The others were pilot George Were, Amos Kipngetich Rotich, a Kenya Forest Service officer and also MP’s bodyguard, his photographer Nick Koskei, high school teacher Carlos Keter, and Wycliffe Rono, an employee of Narok County government.
Earlier on Wednesday morning, families and close friends gathered at the Lee Funeral Home for prayers before proceeding to the church in Karen for the joint requiem.
Leaders from different political parties, clergy, and members of the public attended to show support.
The family of the late MP Ng’eno delivered an emotional tribute, promising to uphold his legacy of service and dedication to the people of Emurua Dikirr. Family representative Barnabas Ng’eno described the moment as both heartbreaking and a celebration of the life their son lived.
Details shared during the service revealed that Rotich reportedly jumped from the helicopter before it crashed. He is said to have survived for about 30 minutes and asked about the MP’s condition.
Witnesses said that when he was told the MP had died, he expressed deep despair and said “If Ng’eno has died, then there is no reason for me to live.” He passed away shortly after.
Families expressed gratitude to political leaders, friends, and communities across Kenya for standing with them during this painful period.