National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called for stricter aviation safety regulations and heightened caution during adverse weather conditions following the helicopter crash that claimed the life of Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngéno and three others.
Speaking in the wake of the tragedy, the Speaker urged members and users including pilots to exercise extreme caution and strictly adhere to established safety protocols such as pre-flight weather forecasting, avoiding thunderstorms and heavy rainfall and maintaining minimum visibility standards.
“You need to realise the vagaries of the weather at this particular time. We should consider limiting the use of helicopters,” he cautioned.
Speaker Wetang’ula revealed that he and his entourage had used the ill-fated aircraft barely two weeks before it went down even as he demonstrated the unpredictability and risks associated with air travel, particularly during unstable weather conditions.
He called on Members of Parliament to urgently review regulations governing the use of air services to strengthen safety standards and minimise accidents.
“In other parts of the world, no helicopter can take off unless cleared by the aviation authority. We need to improve on the existing framework and have more robust regulations,” he said.
The Speaker emphasised the need for stricter enforcement of aviation rules and enhanced coordination between operators and regulatory agencies maintaining that safeguarding lives must take precedence over convenience.
His remarks came as he led Parliamentary Service Commission members and MPs to the Karen home of the late Hon. Ngéno to condole with his widow, Nayianoi Ntutu, and the extended family as burial preparations continue.
Eulogising the third-term legislator, the Speaker described him as a dedicated public servant who embodied servant leadership and whose legacy would stand the test of time.
“This is a tragic happening. Parliament has lost one of its finest leaders,” he said.
Speaker Wetang’ula noted that during his tenure in the National Assembly MP Ngéno had never been reprimanded for disorderly conduct and had diligently executed his responsibilities.
He particularly commended his leadership as Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works, which played a crucial role in the passage of the Affordable Housing Act, 2024.
“It is also unfortunate that he met his death while undertaking public duty beyond his constituency. As Parliament, we celebrate the life of one of us,” he added.
The Speaker informed members that he had directed the tabling of a special motion to allow MPs to formally celebrate the life and service of Hon. Ngéno.
He also suspended Wednesday morning’s sitting to enable legislators to attend a memorial service for the four victims at the Africa Gospel Church (AGC) in Karen.
The four victims will be laid to rest on Friday, March 6, 2026 in Emurua Dikirr Constituency, Narok County while burial arrangements for the pilot will be announced later.
The Parliamentary Service Commission assured the bereaved families of its full support in ensuring a dignified send-off for their loved ones.
