- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua wants international investigators, including the FBI and Scotland Yard, to probe the helicopter crash that killed Emurua Dikirr MP Johanna Ng’eno.
- Ng’eno died on February 28 along with five others when their private chopper crashed in Chepkieb, Nandi County.
- Gachagua linked the crash to threats Ng’eno allegedly received over Gachagua’s October 2024 impeachment.
- He urged a transparent investigation beyond local authorities to ensure credibility.
Speaking during a church service at AIPCA Nyandarua North Diocese on Sunday, Gachagua stressed that Kenya’s national agencies alone may not provide a full, impartial investigation into the crash.
“We cannot leave such a serious matter to local agencies alone. This country needs a thorough, credible investigation. Let the FBI and Scotland Yard come and help us uncover the truth,” Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President emphasised the need for an independent inquiry to clarify the circumstances surrounding Ng’eno’s death and that of the five others on board the helicopter.
Johanna Ng’eno, the MP for Emurua Dikirr, died on February 28 after a private helicopter, registration 5Y-DSB, crashed in the Chepkieb area of Mosop, Nandi County, around 4:45 p.m. The crash claimed all six lives on board.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed that investigations are ongoing through its Aircraft Accident Investigation Department to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Gachagua suggested that the crash could be connected to events during his impeachment in October 2024. He claimed Ng’eno had confided in him about receiving threatening messages.
“He came to see me at 2 a.m., crying, showing me messages that William Ruto had sent him, threatening him that if he didn’t impeach me, he would face dire consequences,” Gachagua alleged.
Ng’eno was among the 281 National Assembly members who voted to impeach Gachagua on October 8, 2024. The Senate upheld the motion on October 17, citing gross violation of the Constitution, corruption, and insubordination.
Gachagua also claimed that State agencies monitored his interactions, including alleging that the National Intelligence Service (NIS) bugged his Kisumu hotel room during a meeting with Ng’eno.
He recounted advising Ng’eno to sign the impeachment motion, saying refusal would not change the outcome but could endanger the MP and his family.
“I told him Ruto has the numbers; he has bought everybody. Even if you don’t sign, it will change nothing. Instead of endangering your life and your family, just sign,” he said.
By the time of publication, neither the State House nor the NIS had issued an official response to Gachagua’s allegations.
Meanwhile, KCAA continues its investigation into the helicopter crash to establish the cause and provide a report on the tragic incident.
