Ruto offers cash, jobs and scholarships to families of helicopter crash victims

By Kimagata Marindany

President William Ruto has pledged financial support, employment opportunities and education sponsorships to families of victims of a helicopter crash that claimed six lives, including Johana Ng'eno, the MP for Emurua Dikirr.

Ruto made the commitments on Friday, March 6, 2026, while attending a burial service at Emurua Dikirr Primary School. During the service, several families appealed for assistance, saying they had been left in difficult circumstances following the deaths of their loved ones.

The President directed the Head of Public Service to ensure that Wycliffe Kiprotich’s widow, who studied agriculture, is employed by the Ministry of Agriculture.

“Head of Public Service, huyo msichana uende umake sure ameajiriwa kwa Ministry of Agriculture,” Ruto said.

President William Ruto during the burial of Emurua Dikirr late Johana Ngeno where he pledged financial support for the families of helicopter crash victim. Photo/ file

Ruto also addressed the case of Robert Keter, popularly known as Carlos, who was a trained teacher and had received an appointment letter shortly before the tragedy.

The President directed that Keter’s sister, who is also a trained teacher, be offered employment.

He further responded to an appeal from the family of Nicholas Rono, who said they did not have a house, promising to support them in building one.

President William Ruto during the burial of Emurua Dikirr late Johana Ngeno where he pledged financial support for the families of helicopter crash victim. Photo/ file

The family of Amos Rotich also received assistance after raising their concerns. Ruto pledged to sponsor the education of one of Rotich’s siblings, while politicians accompanying the President agreed to support the education of the remaining siblings.

In addition, the President promised to give KSh2 million to each of the affected families to help ease their financial burden following the tragedy.

Ruto also pledged personal support toward completing a church project initiated by the late Ng’eno. The President announced a personal contribution of KSh5 million, while leaders accompanying him agreed to organise a fundraiser to help complete the building.

Earlier, members of the clergy said Ng’eno had been committed to building the church before the helicopter crash that claimed his life.

President William Ruto during the burial of Emurua Dikirr late Johana Ngeno where he pledged financial support for the families of helicopter crash victim. Photo/ file