Gachagua Calls for Scotland Yard, FBI Probe into MP Johana Ng’eno Helicopter Crash

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged President William Ruto to invite Scotland Yard and the FBI to conduct an independent investigation into the helicopter crash that claimed the life of former Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno and five others.

Speaking at Ng’eno’s home in Mogondo village, Narok County, on Friday, Gachagua expressed doubts about the ability of local agencies such as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) to carry out an impartial probe. He also questioned whether senior Kenyan security officials could oversee a credible investigation.

Background of the Crash

The helicopter crashed on February 28 in Chepkiep village, Nandi County, killing MP Johana Ng’eno, pilot George Were, photojournalist Nick Kosgei, Kenya Forest Service officer Amos Kipngetich Rotich, teacher Carlos Robert Kibet Keter, and Narok County protocol officer Wycliff Kiprotich Rono.

Concerns Raised by Gachagua

• Claims that the helicopter was briefly impounded at Eldoret International Airport before being released following phone calls by senior government officials.
• Questions over the quality of fuel used and the dismissal of some airport officials, which he suggested may be part of a cover-up, though he did not provide evidence.
• Calls for transparency as no progress reports on the investigation have been shared with the family or the public.

Family Seeks Answers

Mary Temas, the late MP’s mother, lamented the lack of communication from government agencies regarding the probe. She said the family has been left in the dark and accused officials of abandoning them after the funeral.

Temas expressed suspicion about a possible cover-up and vowed that the truth will eventually emerge. She welcomed Gachagua’s visit and condemned attempts by some local leaders to block him from accessing the family home.

Gachagua’s Visit and Support

Gachagua visited the family five months after Ng’eno’s burial, accompanied by Nyandarua Senator John Methu and DCP parliamentary candidate David Kibet Rotich. At the graveside, he laid a wreath and pledged to support Temas with bills and daily needs, noting that no government officials have checked on her welfare since the funeral.

Notably absent during the visit was Ng’eno’s widow, Nayainoi Ntutu, who holds a government position and is affiliated with the ruling party.