The widow of helicopter pilot George Were has emotionally described the moment she discovered her husband had died in the helicopter crash that also claimed the life of Johana Ng’eno and four other people.
Speaking during the pilot’s burial ceremony in Nyakach on Saturday, Emily Were told mourners she first learnt about the tragedy while browsing social media on her phone.
“I learnt of my husband’s death on social media. I had the phone in my hand and then I started seeing the news. When I realized it was him, my first instinct was to call my children because the way social media is, they were going to see it within the next ten minutes or so,” she said.
Family and Colleagues Pay Tribute to Fallen Pilot
Family members, friends, aviation colleagues and leaders gathered to pay their final respects to the pilot, remembering him as a dedicated professional and a devoted family man.
During her tribute, Emily Were also shared a lighter memory about their marriage, recalling how their shared love for rhumba music once created small disagreements between them.
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“George loved rhumba, and that brought a bit of problems between us until 2006 when we were both carjacked coming from a rhumba joint,” she said.
“After that, we agreed on how we were going to handle this rhumba. When we went out, we made sure the children knew where we were. If he went alone, he would call and tell me he was with his friends…and that worked well.”
Family Thanks Leaders for Support
The grieving widow also expressed appreciation to government officials and friends who helped the family during the difficult period following the crash.
“I want to thank the President and the Deputy President from the bottom of my heart,” she said.
She explained that assistance from Raymond Omollo helped her children travel back home quickly despite challenges in international travel.
“You know there’s war in the Middle East and getting air tickets is not easy, but through our family friend (Interior Principal Secretary) Raymond Omollo, my children were able to come back within two days. I’m very grateful because even as they continue mourning, they will have some closure.”
She also thanked Kipchumba Murkomen for assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
“When George’s body came from Eldoret, it was to be put in a metal box. But CS Murkomen said, ‘No, Captain cannot be put in a metal box, you have to give him a coffin,’ and he supported us. Thank you so much, CS, wherever you are,” she said.
Helicopter Crash That Claimed Six Lives
Pilot George Were died in the tragic helicopter crash that also killed MP Johana Ng’eno and four other passengers.
The aircraft went down near Chepkieb Forest on February 28, 2026.
According to witnesses, the helicopter crashed and burst into flames shortly after attempting to take off from a makeshift landing site.
The accident occurred at approximately 4:45 p.m., with witnesses reporting that poor visibility caused by heavy rains may have contributed to the crash.
MP Ng’eno Laid to Rest Earlier
Following the tragedy, MP Johana Ng’eno was laid to rest at his home in Emurua Dikirr on March 6, 2026.
The burial ceremony for pilot George Were in Nyakach brought together leaders, aviation professionals and family members who celebrated his life and service.
