A helicopter carrying Environment and Forestry Principal Secretary Festus Ngeno and four other people crashed while taking off from Kericho Golf Club on Monday. Eyewitnesses reported that the aircraft appeared unstable before tumbling onto its right side, leaving its body and tail badly damaged. The incident occurred around midday as light rain fell. The helicopter, registration number 5Y-FSK and owned by the Forestry Department, was extensively damaged in the crash.
Witnesses described the moments leading up to the crash, stating that the helicopter had landed normally and remained at the golf club for about 30 minutes before Dr Ngeno and the other passengers boarded. One of the witnesses, John Kebaso, said the pilot had stepped out to inspect the helicopter's tail before returning to the cockpit. The aircraft then took an unusually long time to gather momentum before lifting off, Kebaso said.
Another eyewitness, Naomy Chepkoech, said some of the passengers managed to get out of the wreckage, while the pilot appeared to have suffered more serious injuries. "There were four men and a woman on board at the time," she said. Chepkoech said she had seen many helicopters land at the golf club but could not recall a similar incident.
Alex Koech, another eyewitness, said it was fortunate that the aircraft did not catch fire after hitting the ground. "It is quite a miracle that the helicopter did not explode upon crash-landing. But it was a very scary moment, as no one had the guts to approach it immediately," he said.
Rift Valley Regional Coordinator Samuel Ndanyi confirmed that the helicopter had crash-landed while taking off from the golf club after reportedly developing mechanical problems. Ndanyi said five people were on board and no fatalities had been reported. "We have not recorded any fatalities, but the pilot sustained some injuries and has been rushed to the South Rift Hospital in Kericho town for treatment," he said.
Dr Ngeno was taken to South Rift Hospital in Kericho for a medical check-up before being transferred to Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu, according to sources familiar with the incident. The pilot sustained injuries and was taken to South Rift Hospital for treatment. Police officers arrived at the scene shortly after the crash and moved to control the crowd.
Kericho County Police Commander Kivinda Kilonzo said investigations into the crash had begun, with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority expected to take over the inquiry. Dr Ngeno has since commented on the incident, saying, "I thank God for our safety, and I am grateful that all occupants on board the helicopter survived the incident. I sincerely appreciate the concern, prayers and messages of support received from members of the public, colleagues and friends. Thank you."
Key points
- The helicopter carrying PS Festus Ngeno and four others crash-landed at Kericho Golf Club due to reported mechanical problems.
- All five occupants on board survived the incident with the pilot sustaining serious injuries.
- Investigations into the crash have begun with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority expected to take over the inquiry.
