In an extraordinary turn of events, an acquaintance and former staffer of the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno has recounted how a roadside mechanical malfunction may have spared him from the fatal helicopter crash that claimed Ng’eno and five other lives.
Geoffrey Bett, widely recognized as GK Kechwo, shared his emotional testimony during the mourning period at the MP’s home, referring to the incident as a ‘second opportunity at life’ resulting from a brief five-minute postponement.
Kechwo had been scheduled to join the MP’s entourage at Mara Rianta to board the helicopter for the continuation of their journey. He mentioned that his last exchange with Ng’eno took place precisely at 12:04 PM, when they had a brief conversation to confirm their meeting point.
Nevertheless, the trip to the landing location was halted by a flat tire.
‘Regrettably, the motorcycle transporting me suffered a puncture shortly after Mbata,’ Kechwo explained. ‘I arrived just five minutes too late to board the flight.’
The doomed helicopter ultimately crashed in the Chepkueb region of Mosop constituency. Eyewitnesses reported that the aircraft had previously attempted an emergency landing due to worsening weather conditions.
Accounts suggest that the passengers briefly exited the aircraft and consulted with residents regarding the dense fog. Even after being informed that the visibility might not improve until the next day, the pilot decided to proceed with takeoffonly to crash shortly afterward.
Kechwo mentioned that he had known and worked alongside Ng’eno for 16 years, employed during the most recent parliamentary term despite not being a resident of the MP’s electoral district.
‘I am utterly devastated by the premature passing of my friend and employer,’ Kechwo stated. ‘I express gratitude to God for granting me this additional opportunity to exist, yet I remain profoundly sorrowful for the demise of my superior and companions.’
The catastrophe has cast Emurua Dikirr and Narok County into sorrow as investigators commence examination of the factors influencing the flight’s decision to depart under limited visibility conditions.