Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has broken his silence on his relationship with the late Emurua Dikirr lawmaker Johana Ng’eno, following explosive claims by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua linking him to the tragic helicopter crash that claimed Ng’eno’s life.
Addressing the press on Sunday, March 1, after receiving the remains of the late Ng’eno and other victims in Nairobi, Murkomen expressed profound grief and highlighted his personal connection to the deceased Member of Parliament.
Murkomen stated, “Personally, I knew three of the past members in a personal way. The Honourable Johanna Ngeno, the pilot George Were, and Carlos Keteru were also my friends, and I just feel very sad to lose friends and to lose people that we have worked with before, and we feel really, really, really pained by this event.”
The CS further described Ng’eno as a hero, a decisive leader, courageous, and passionate: “Honourable Ngeno, who is a hero to many, who was a leader, who was decisive, courageous, he was passionate in the work he did. He defended his constituents with passion, with commitment. He feared none. He collaborated with many. He brushed shoulders with others just to make sure that the job he was doing was done very well.”
Murkomen emphasized government support for the bereaved families and the people of Emurua Dikirr and Narok, assuring logistical and security assistance while the official investigation proceeds.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Department, under the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and with international supervision, is handling the probe into the crash.
Murkomen noted that the international civil aviation community is awaiting the results, and Kenyans should do the same.
Also Read: Johana Ng’eno Chopper Crash: Details of Owner and Other Victims Involved in Helicopter Tragedy
Gachagua Demands Murkomen Step Aside for Transparent Crash Probe
While on the campaign trail on March 1, Gachagua called for Murkomen to step aside to ensure fair and transparent investigations into the crash that claimed the lives of Ngeno, pilot George Were, Carlos Keteru, and three others.
According to Gachagua, there was bad blood between the late Ng’eno and Murkomen.
Gachagua said, “As we call for investigations, I must say that Kipchumba Murkomen cannot be CS Interior, and the family of Ng’eno and the Kipsigis community and other Kenyans expect fair and transparent investigations because Kipchumba Murkomen has been fighting… We want to ask President William Ruto to ask Kipchumba Murkomen to step aside to allow for thorough investigations into the air crash.”
At the same time, Gachagua revealed that he had met Ng’eno in a hotel in Kisumu before he was impeached. The former Mathira MP also claimed that the National Intelligence had bugged the room and recorded his conversation with Nge’no on President William Ruto’s instructions.
Also Read: Johana Ng’eno Profile: Educational Background, Career, Family and Networth
NPS Assures Public that Investigations are underway
On March 1, a day after the helicopter crash, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department was investigating the incident in line with standard procedures and international guidelines.
NPS stated that officers were securing the scene and supporting investigators, and that appeals for public calm and further updates from the lead agency were forthcoming.
“In accordance with standard operating procedures and international civil aviation guidelines, the management of the investigation into the cause of the accident has formally been taken over by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department,” read part of the NPS statement.
Murkomen extended condolences to Ng’eno’s family, colleagues in the National Assembly, the Speaker, and all Kenyans, wishing them God’s grace during this difficult time.
He also thanked residents of Mosop, the county security team, and government officials for their swift response and assistance. The February 28 crash in Nandi County killed six Kenyans, including the MP, the pilot, George Were, Carlos Keteru, and three others.
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