28/02/2026
Helicopter registration 5Y DSB, an Airbus Helicopters H125 owned by businessman S. K. Macharia, founder of Royal Media Services, and frequently leased for private and political engagements, crashed on February 28, 2026.
The aircraft went down in the Chepkiep area of Mosop Sub County, Nandi County, within the Rift Valley region. Reports indicate the helicopter attempted an emergency landing before bursting into flames at approximately 4:45 PM. All six people on board lost their lives.
Among those confirmed dead is Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng'eno of Narok County. Personal belongings, including his mobile phone and SIM card, were recovered at the crash site. Items belonging to another individual associated with the Kenya Forestry Service were also found. Authorities were still verifying the identities of the remaining occupants, including the pilot, at the time of reporting.
The helicopter had reportedly departed Nairobi earlier that morning, likely from Wilson Airport, around 11:02 AM. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and law enforcement agencies.
The Rift Valley presents unique aviation challenges. Much of the region sits at elevations between 1,500 and over 2,500 meters above sea level. At such altitudes, air density is significantly reduced. Thinner air affects engine output, rotor lift efficiency, and overall helicopter performance. Pilots must factor in density altitude, temperature, humidity, and payload weight before departure. Margins for error narrow considerably in high terrain environments.
Weather can further complicate operations. Fog, mist, haze, and low cloud cover are common in elevated Rift Valley zones. Reduced visibility increases the risk of spatial disorientation, controlled flight into terrain, and loss of control. Even experienced crews must apply strict go or no go decision making, adhere to visual flight limitations unless instrument rated and equipped, and maintain conservative operational thresholds.
Kenya has previously witnessed helicopter incidents where altitude and weather were contributing factors, including the 2012 police helicopter crash in Ngong Hills. While there is no confirmed link between those past events and this specific aircraft, the broader safety lessons remain relevant.
Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to establish the precise sequence of events leading to the crash.
