Principal Secretary for Interior Raymond Omollo, has assured Kenyans that the government will conduct a thorough investigation into last Saturday’s helicopter crash in Mosop, Nandi County, which claimed six lives.

While conveying condolences to the bereaved families, Dr Omollo described the incident as regrettable, noting that security agencies had already commenced investigations to establish the exact cause of the crash.

The chopper went down at Chepkieb area in Mosop at around 4.45 pm on February 28 shortly after take-off. According to preliminary reports, the aircraft crashed and caught fire moments later.

Among those who perished was Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Ng’eno. Others on board were his bodyguard Amos Kipng’etich, his cameraman Nick Kosgey, Carlos Keter, Wycliffe Rono and pilot George Were. All six died at the scene.

Dr Omollo said officers from Ministry of Interior, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department were working jointly to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Preliminary findings, he noted, suggest that poor weather conditions may have contributed to the accident but cautioned against speculation until the investigations are complete.

“That particular accident was very unfortunate amidst very turbulent times. I want to take this opportunity again to convey my sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones,” he said.

“The team from the Ministry of Interior as well as other security agencies are doing what they need to do so as to get to the bottom of what really happened,” he added.

The principal secretary spoke on Sunday at Rutune Secondary School in Mukurwe-ini, Nyeri County, where he was the chief guest during a fundraising event aimed at supporting the refurbishment of the school and construction of a new dining hall. He was accompanied by Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira and Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga.

During the harambee, more than Ksh7 million was raised to improve infrastructure at the institution. Dr Omollo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing education facilities across the country, saying improved infrastructure plays a key role in raising academic standards.

He commended the Nyeri County leadership and local community for working closely with the national government to advance the education agenda.

“We appreciate the relationship that the administration and the community has had with the National Government. We are looking forward to better results from this institution, improved infrastructure and greater community involvement,” he said.

Addressing national security matters, Dr Omollo also dismissed allegations by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino linking him to recent violence at Kisumu International Airport. He termed the claims unfounded, reiterating that his role as a Principal Secretary is limited to service delivery as mandated by law.

He further underscored the government’s stance against political intolerance, warning that the Kenya Kwanza administration would not condone hooliganism or violence in the political arena.

“Every individual must be given a chance to express themselves without intimidation and without any scare mongering,” the principal secretary said.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Wangari Mwangi