Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has mourned the death of Johanna Ngeno, who died in a helicopter crash in Chepkiep village, Mosop Constituency, Nandi County.
The helicopter, registration 5Y-DSB, went down on Saturday evening and burst into flames on impact.
Witnesses said they heard a loud bang moments before seeing thick smoke rising from a farm where the aircraft had crashed. Wreckage was scattered across the field, with parts of the chopper extensively burnt.
Reports indicate the aircraft was carrying six people at the time of the incident. Emergency responders, including police and local residents, rushed to the scene but faced difficulty accessing the wreckage due to intense heat and smoke. By the time the fire was contained, there were no survivors reported among those on board.
Authorities have since secured the crash site as aviation investigators begin inquiries into the cause of the accident.
Preliminary accounts suggest the aircraft may have encountered technical difficulties mid-air, although officials have urged the public to await formal findings.
In his statement, Gachagua described Ngeno as a close friend and a leader with significant influence within the Kipsigis community.
He said the MP had faced political pressure and intimidation in recent months but remained steadfast.
“He had a great future as a leader of the Kipsigis community, and his death has robbed the community of a great leader,” Gachagua said.
The former deputy president called for a speedy and transparent investigation into the crash, insisting that the findings be made public.
He also alleged that some state-aligned bloggers were manipulating condolence messages to distort their meaning.
"I call for thorough and speedy investigations into the cause of the crash that must be made public. I have led the people of Nyahururu in mourning him. State bloggers are busy manipulating our condolences by editing our message and corrupting it to have a different meaning," the former deputy president added.
Gachagua said he joined residents of Nyahururu in mourning the legislator and urged calm as investigations continue.
Leaders across the political divide have continued to send tributes as the country awaits official communication on the cause of the crash and funeral arrangements.