Ruto’s PS Festus Ng’eno breaks silence after surviving Kericho helicopter crash
Ruto's PS Festus Ng’eno breaks silence after surviving Kericho helicopter crash
Environment Principal Secretary (PS) Festus Ng’eno has broken his silence after surviving a helicopter crash at Kericho Golf Club, expressing gratitude that everyone aboard the aircraft escaped the incident alive.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 12, 2026, following the crash, Ng’eno thanked God for the safety of those on board and acknowledged the public concern and support he had received.
“I thank God for our safety, and I am grateful that all occupants on board the helicopter survived the incident,” Ng’eno stated.
“I sincerely appreciate the concern, prayers and messages of support received from members of the public, colleagues and friends. Thank you.”
The statement was his first public message following the incident, which prompted an emergency response at the golf club grounds in Kericho County.
The helicopter, registration number 5Y-FSK, belonged to the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and crashed shortly after attempting to take off from the golf club.
Initial reports indicated that the aircraft lost altitude before coming down on the grounds, sustaining extensive damage. Images from the scene showed the helicopter’s tail section separated from the main fuselage.
Kericho County Police Commander Kivindu Kilonzo said occupants had been taken to hospital for medical attention, with no fatalities reported.
The Kenya Red Cross also confirmed that its response team was at the scene working alongside other emergency responders.
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However, reports on the number of people aboard differed during the initial response. KFS later said the aircraft carried four people, one pilot and three passengers, and confirmed that all were safe and accounted for.
The exact circumstances that led to the crash had not been established, with investigations expected to determine what happened during take-off.
Ng’eno serves as Principal Secretary in the State Department for Environment and Climate Change, which falls under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry.
According to the department’s official website, its responsibilities include national environmental policy, climate action, pollution control, conservation of natural resources, protection of wetlands, and restoration of strategic water towers.
The department also oversees programmes linked to low-carbon technologies and environmental management.
Ng’eno’s role places him at the centre of government efforts on environmental protection and climate policy.
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