Sunday, 1 March 2026 - A young Kenyan man, Braxton
Manazi, has shared an account of the final hours before the tragic helicopter
crash in Nandi County that claimed six lives, including Emurua Dikirr MP, Johana Ng’eno.
In an emotional Facebook post, Braxton revealed how the MP’s
loyal bodyguard, Hillary Kirui, unknowingly escaped death after giving up his
seat to another passenger.
“I quickly dressed up and joined him in the car parked
outside. It felt like an ordinary day, one of those days we had shared many
times before, moving around with our boss, supporting his work, believing in
his vision,” he narrated.
When they arrived at Ng’eno’s home, the helicopter was
already running.
“Inside were Sportpesa Ronoh, Afande Pngetio Soget, Nick
Kosgei, his personal cameraman, Hillary Kirui, his loyal bodyguard, and the
pilot,” Braxton said.
Just then, Carlos Keter, whom Ng’eno had helped secure a
job, rushed in hoping to join the trip.
With all seats occupied, Ng’eno instructed one passenger to
alight.
“Hon Ngong instructed someone seated in the rear seat to
alight. Without hesitation, Hillary Kirui, the bodyguard, stepped out willingly
so Carlos could board.”
“That was the moment Hillary unknowingly escaped death,”
Braxton recalled.
Braxton said he recorded the helicopter as it took off,
unaware of the tragedy ahead.
Hours later, at 4:35 p.m., Braxton received the devastating
call.
“I cannot even describe what happened inside my chest at
that moment. It felt as though my heart had been ripped open.”
“The man who had lifted us, believed in us, and restored our
dreams was gone,” he painfully said.
The Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital later confirmed
receiving six bodies burnt beyond recognition.
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula directed that Ng’eno’s remains,
along with those of the other victims, be repatriated to Nairobi for funeral
preparations.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
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