Wetang’ula, leaders defend pilot, urge stricter airspace rules after fatal crash

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula defended the late Captain George Were against criticism on social media following the Nandi helicopter crash that claimed six lives, among them Emurua Dikirr MP Johanna Ng’eno.

Speaking at African Gospel Church (AGC), Karen, Nairobi City, during a joint memorial service for the victims of the tragic accident, Speaker Wetang’ula described the deceased pilot as a highly trained and disciplined professional who would never have endangered the lives of his passengers.

He revealed that he had flown with Captain Were just two weeks before the crash and had full confidence in his competence.

“Whenever a tragedy of this nature happens in our country, it is important for all of us to appreciate the will of God and avoid assigning blame where it is not necessary. I have no doubt that the pilot was a highly skilled airman who would never have endangered his own life or that of others. This was a tragic accident,” the Speaker stated.

Recalling his recent flight with the pilot under challenging weather conditions, Speaker Wetang’ula said Captain Were demonstrated exceptional skill and calmness.

“At a time when the weather was not very friendly, he maneuvered with precision and proficiency. He swung from one cloud to another, and we arrived safely alongside other leaders. He was a diligent and astute pilot. Accidents do happen, and sadly, this one has taken precious lives,” he added.

He reiterated his earlier call to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) to strengthen regulations governing the use of airspace, particularly during adverse weather, to enhance safety and prevent future tragedies.

He urged aviation authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the aircraft wreckage to establish whether any mechanical or operational lessons could be drawn to forestall similar incidents.

“We hope that the aviation authorities will carefully examine the aircraft and its remains to determine whether there are mechanical lessons that can help prevent such incidents in the future,” he emphasised.

His sentiments were echoed by several leaders present at the memorial service, including Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya and Majority Leaders Kimani Ichung’wah and Aaron Cheruiyot, who had previously flown with Captain Were and attested to his professionalism and dedication.

“The military family is mourning. We have lost an experienced and diligent officer,” CS Tuya said.

“I flew with Captain George a week before the accident. He was very organized and professional,” added Cheruiyot.

During the service, Speaker Wetang’ula also paid tribute to Carlos Keter, a recently employed high school teacher from Emurua Dikirr, recalling a recent meeting with him at his office in Parliament Buildings.

He described Keter as a determined young man whose life had been tragically cut short.

In his capacity as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC), the Speaker commended the parliamentary team he appointed to coordinate funeral arrangements for the victims.

He noted that, following his directive, the Clerk of the National Assembly facilitated the repatriation of the bodies to Lee Funeral Home.

While celebrating the life of Ng’eno, the Speaker praised the three-term legislator for his steadfast advocacy of the Affordable Housing programme and his unwavering commitment to the people of Emurua Dikirr.

“To the people he served, you have lost a true leader. As we often say, all politics is local. He understood the local politics of this area and was deeply connected to his people. Whenever we came here to campaign, it was clear that he was a man respected and appreciated by his constituents,” the Speaker said.

Ng’eno, alongside Amos Kipngetich Rotich, a Kenya Forest Service officer; Nick Koskei, the MP’s bodyguard; his photographer, Carlos Keter; and Wycliffe Rono, an employee of the Narok County Government, will be laid to rest on Friday, March 6, 2026, in their respective homes. Captain George Were will be buried at a later date.