Family, friends, and dignitaries gathered at the Africa Gospel Church, Karen, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, for a requiem Mass honouring six victims of the recent Nandi helicopter crash, as relatives of pilot George Were made an emotional appeal to Kenyans to continue praying for them.

Speaking during the solemn service, members of the family, led by his brothers, paid glowing tribute to Were, describing him as a disciplined and accomplished aviator who dedicated four decades of his life to flying.

“Our late brother George was an accomplished pilot; he served 30 years in the military,” a family representative said.

“He chauffeured many generals in the army, and when he retired, he became a commercial pilot for about 10 years.”

Were’s career as commercial pilot

According to the family, during his decade in commercial aviation, Were flew numerous dignitaries and carried out his duties with professionalism, zeal, and determination.

“He did his work with the zeal and determination of a professional pilot,” they said.

The family expressed gratitude to national and county leaders who stood with them during the difficult period.

They thanked President William Ruto, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who was described as a close friend of the late pilot, Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, the Narok County government, and Were’s employer for their support following the tragedy.

The crash in Nandi claimed six lives, including Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno, sending shockwaves across the aviation community and the country at large.

While acknowledging the overwhelming support received, the family admitted that the true weight of loss would be felt once the burial rites are completed.

“We are gathered here to mourn; we are going to bury them, but after burying them and the dust settles, then the reality dawns that our brother will no longer be there for us,” they said.

They noted that although his physical presence will be gone, his legacy of service and professionalism will endure.

Concern for family left behind

Particular concern was expressed for Were’s widow and children, some of whom are still in college.

“The people he has left behind, especially his wife, will be alone, but we will have a support system for her. The children who are still in college will definitely need support from well-wishers,” the family said.

They concluded by urging Kenyans to continue praying for them as they navigate life without their loved one.

“We wish to thank you and ask you to continue praying for us.”

The six died on Saturday, February 28, 2026, when a helicopter, registration 5Y-DSB, crashed in Mosop, Nandi County, reportedly due to bad weather.

Pilot George Were, at the time of the crash, was flying MP Ng’eno, forest ranger Amos Kipng’etich, photojournalist Nick Kosgey, Wycliffe Rotich, and teacher Robert Keter.

MPs honour Were

Members of Parliament also paid their tributes in Parliament on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, remembering Were as an experienced pilot who was known to them.

Many recounted that the deceased flew them across the country in the recent past and remembered his warm personality.

“We have lost other strong people, particularly Captain Were, who was known by everybody in this country. I eulogise them and say the almighty God stands with the grieving families,” Buuri MP Rindikiri Mugambi eulogised.

Molo Member of Parliament Kuria Kimani recounted that he was flown by the deceased barely a month ago and prayed for his grieving family as he consoled the families of the deceased.

“Rubani Were pia mimi amewahi kunibeba kwa muda wa mwezi moja uliopita,” Kimani stated.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula remembered the pilot as someone who was personally known to him, remembering that the deceased flew him alongside other dignitaries two weeks before the tragedy.

“In fact captain Were flew me with Aaron Cheruiyot and Faruk Kibet two weeks ago from Narok to Kakamega and back to Nairobi,” Wetangula stated.