Nurse Jacobeth Jeptoo has been celebrated for her extraordinary bravery after rushing to the scene of a fatal helicopter crash in Mosop, Nandi County, which claimed the lives of six people, including MP Johana Ngeno.
Her rapid response and efforts to save lives have drawn national admiration and recognition from the Nursing Council of Kenya.
“The Nursing Council of Kenya commends the courage and professionalism of Nurse Jacobeth Jeptoo, who selflessly responded to the tragic helicopter crash in Mosop, Nandi County,” the council said in a statement. “Her actions exemplify the commitment, compassion, and resilience that define the nursing profession, even in the most harrowing circumstances.”
Jeptoo was at her home in Chepkieb when the crash occurred. Her mother said they heard a loud explosion and immediately ran toward the accident site upon realizing a helicopter had gone down nearby.
“We ran towards the scene while shouting to go and check,” her mother recalled.
At the crash site, Jeptoo discovered that one person was still breathing. She briefly returned home to get her medical gloves and then rushed back to try to administer first aid. Despite her efforts, all six individuals on board succumbed to their injuries.
In a heartfelt message, Jeptoo reflected on the tragedy:
“Extensive burns like that could have possibly caused shock and organ failure, leading to the death of six heroes. We struggle so hard for life that can end anytime. Pole to the affected families and community. Mutyo is missing. We tried, but none survived.”
Her courage quickly caught public attention. Social media users praised her for stepping forward while others watched in shock. One comment read, “While others watched in horror, she stepped forward, offering urgent medical assistance to those caught up in the disaster.” Another post added, “This lady, who is a nurse, was at home in Chepkiep and ran with her gloves and tried to help some of the victims in yesterday's crash in Nandi, but unfortunately we lost them.”
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei said he spoke with Jeptoo personally following her heroic act. “I have just had a phone conversation with our heroine, Ms Jeptoo Jacobeth, of Saturday’s rescue mission of the ill-fated helicopter crash that killed Hon. Johana Ngeno, MP for Emurua Dikirr Constituency, and five others,” he stated.
Cherargei noted that Jeptoo recently finished her Community Health Nurse course at Kendu Bay Adventist School of Medical Sciences in February 2026 and is awaiting the Kenya Nursing Council qualifying exams in May 2026.
“I have paid for her upcoming exams and pending school fees to allow her clearance and registration as a practising nurse,” the senator said. “We shall walk the journey with her until she gets placement and advances her efforts of serving humanity in honour of our departed brothers.”
The six victims’ bodies were flown to Nairobi’s Lee Funeral Home as funeral arrangements proceed. Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu announced that the county will cover funeral costs for five of the victims, while President William Ruto visited the late MP’s family at their Karen home on Monday.
The Nursing Council extended condolences to the bereaved families and lauded all frontline responders, noting that Jeptoo’s actions are a powerful testament to the selfless spirit that defines nursing.
