Kenyan MP killed in helicopter crash (PHOTO/VIDEO)

Kenyan MP Johana Ng’eno was among six people killed on Saturday when a helicopter crashed and caught fire in Mosop, Nandi County, authorities have said.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said the accident occurred at about 4:30 PM local time and involved an AS350 helicopter registered as 5Y-DSB. The aircraft was flying from Endebes to Mosoriot when it went down in the Mosop area of Nandi Hills.

All six people on board died in the crash. The regulator said confirmation of casualties and identities would be issued once the families had been notified.

Local media reported that Ng’eno, the MP for the Emurua Dikirr constituency, had been returning from an event in the South Rift region and had earlier visited families affected by flooding in Mara Rianta.

Preliminary reports indicated the helicopter encountered heavy rainfall, prompting a brief landing. After takeoff, it struck a tree and burst into flames. Those killed included the pilot, a Kenya Forest Service ranger, the MP’s camera operator, and a protocol official from the Narok County government.

President William Ruto said on X that he had received news of Ng’eno’s death with “profound shock and deep sadness.” He said the lawmaker was “focused, vocal, and fearless; a leader who stood firmly for justice and equity for all.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his friends, the people of Emurua Dikirr, and all the victims and families affected by the helicopter crash in Mosop, Nandi County,” the president added.