By Dorothy Musyoka
The bodies of six people who perished in a tragic helicopter crash have been transferred to the mortuary at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, hospital officials have confirmed.
MTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Philip Kirwa said the facility received all six bodies, noting that they were severely burnt in the crash.
He appealed to members of the public and the affected families to remain patient as the identification process continues.
Among those who died was Emurua Dikir Member of County Assembly (MCA) Jonathan Ngeno, whose death has sent shockwaves across Narok County and the wider North Rift region.
Leaders from across the region gathered at the hospital to mourn the victims and call for calm as investigations into the cause of the crash begin.
Samson Cherargei, the Senator for Nandi County, cautioned against speculation, urging the public to allow investigators time to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
He also appealed to pilots to exercise heightened caution during the ongoing rainy season.
Jonathan Bii, the Governor of Uasin Gishu County, described the loss as deeply painful, mourning the deceased and expressing solidarity with the bereaved families and the people of Kipsigis.
Condolence messages were also sent by Wesley Rotich, Governor of Elgeyo Marakwet County, and Stephen Sang, Governor of Nandi County.
Patrick Ole Ntutu, the Governor of Narok County, who visited the MTRH mortuary to view the bodies, revealed that he had spoken with Ngeno earlier on the morning of the incident.
According to the governor, the MCA had informed him that he was heading out and that they would meet later in the day.
Governor Ntutu termed the news devastating and urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that the government is committed to conducting thorough investigations to determine the cause of the crash.
Several legislators from the region were present at the hospital, echoing calls for patience, unity and cooperation with investigators as authorities work to establish what led to the fatal chopper crash.