Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana has called on leaders to tone down political rhetoric during the national mourning period following the helicopter crash that claimed the life of Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno and five others.

Speaking in an interview on March 2, 2026, Mungatana said the country should prioritise unity and sobriety as it grieves. He described the late Ng’eno as a leader who was widely appreciated and said this was a moment that required responsible leadership.

“A responsible leader should weigh his words when a nation is mourning,” Mungatana said, adding that there is a season and time for everything.

Criticism of opposition conduct

The senator criticised what he termed the disunited opposition, accusing it of lacking a clear agenda and reacting to issues for political gain. He urged leaders to set aside partisan differences and allow the country to mourn with dignity.

Mungatana said political competition should not overshadow national interest, noting that loyalty to the state goes beyond party affiliations. He likened Kenya’s opposition to systems in other democracies where minority parties remain committed to national stability despite political differences.

“The nation is not the government,” he said, calling on leaders to focus on building the country and allow families and communities to grieve.

Crash details and ongoing probe

Ng’eno died on February 28, 2026, when an Airbus H125 helicopter, registration 5Y-DSB, crashed in Chepkiep Forest in Mosop Sub-County, Nandi County, at about 4:45 pm. The aircraft was carrying six people, all of whom perished.

Those who died included Ng’eno, pilot Captain George Were, Kenya Forest Service ranger Amos Kipngetich Rotich, photojournalist Nick Kosgey, teacher Robert Kipkoech Keter, and Narok County protocol officer Wycliffe Kiprotich Rono.

Preliminary findings by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department indicate the helicopter was flying at low altitude due to adverse weather conditions and struck trees during an attempted emergency landing before catching fire.

The black box has been recovered, and parts of the wreckage are set for further analysis in line with International Civil Aviation Organization standards. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days.

Ng’eno, a three-term MP born in 1972, is scheduled to be laid to rest on March 6, 2026. Leaders across the political divide have continued to send messages of condolence as investigations proceed.