Chopper in CS Murkomen’s crash incident prone to take off hitches

No one was injured during the crash as Murkomen later announced that he had safely landed in Nyatike, Migori county. 

"Arrived safely in Nyatike, Migori County with the Chairman Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to condole with our KAA MD Henry Ogoye who lost his loving mother. Earlier on, we had a small mishap and we thank God we are safe. Thank you all for your concerns, prayers and best wishes."

The CS was aboard a Bell 407 helicopter registration number 5Y-PKI when it crashed during take off.

Murkomen's incident was not the first take off challenge involving the chopper, known by its green and white colours. 

In 2020, then Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe was forced to alight from the chopper in Kericho and use his official car back to Nairobi after the Bell 407  developed mechanical hitches during take off. 

The pilot could not turn on the engine, and the CS, who was already seated in the chopper, could be seen alighting and getting into his vehicle to take the unexpected long journey back to the city. 

In February 2024 the same chopper was reported to have crash landed at a farm in Mathioya, Murang'a county, after developing mechanical problems mid-air. 

The crash-landing excited villagers who quickly took photos and videos beside the chopper. 

Previous chopper crashes in the country have claimed notable names such as former Vice President and Internal Security Minister George Saitoti and former Roads Minister Kipkalya Kones.