Authorities have released the names of all six people who died in the helicopter crash in Mosop, Nandi County on Saturday.
The aircraft, registration 5Y-D5B, went down at approximately 4:45 pm near Chepkieb shortly after taking off, leaving wreckage and victims scattered across the site.
The area chief said locals rushed to help and found some bodies badly burnt, making identification challenging.
Among the deceased is Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno, who was travelling with members of his team at the time of the accident.
The pilot, George Were, originally from Nyakach, Kisumu, also lost his life in the crash.
Amos Kipngetich Rotich, a forester and bodyguard attached to the MP from Emurua Dikirr, was confirmed dead.
The list of victims further includes Nick Koskey, a cameraman from Bomet County; Carlos Keter, a high school teacher from Emurua Dikirr; and Wycliffe Rono, an employee of Narok County government and also a resident of Emurua Dikirr.
Authorities noted that two of the bodies were so badly burnt that immediate identification was not possible.
The remaining victims were moved to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret for further handling.
Preliminary accounts indicate that the crash may have been caused by adverse weather conditions, which led to the helicopter catching fire on impact.
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed the aircraft had been flying from Endebes to Mosoriot when the incident occurred.
“KCAA has initiated the necessary procedures to support the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID). Further details will be provided as more verified information becomes available,” the authority said.
KCAA Director General Emile Arao conveyed condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy.
“The Authority extends its sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected,” he said. Investigations into the exact cause of the crash are ongoing.
