A helicopter carrying Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Attorney-General Dorcas Oduor was forced to make an emergency landing in Kericho County on Sunday afternoon after encountering severe weather.
The leaders were travelling from Homa Bay when weather conditions suddenly deteriorated, prompting the pilot to bring the aircraft down as a precaution.
The helicopter landed at Chepngetuny, near Belgut Technical Training Institute, where it remained grounded for some time as the weather improved.
According to the governor’s office, the aircraft landed safely in an open field and resumed its journey after conditions cleared.
An official from the governor’s office said all those on board were safe and that the helicopter continued to Naivasha once it was safe to fly.
The incident comes months after a helicopter crash at Chepkiep Village in Mosop Sub-County, Nandi County, claimed the lives of former Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno and five other people.
Before the emergency landing, Ms Wanga had accompanied Mr Wandayi and Ms Oduor to Kojwach Ward in Kabondo Kasipul for the dowry payment of Nyando MP Jared Okello.
Ms Wanga shared images of the occasion on her Facebook page.
“We accompanied our friend and fellow leader Jared Okello to Kojwach for a visitation and dowry payment, Dok Ekeny, in honour of his wife, Adhiambo Okello. We wish Adhiambo and Jared a lifetime of marital bliss!” Ms Wanga wrote.
Earlier in the day, the governor attended a church service at Faith Community Fellowship Sanctuary in Kochia, where she participated in a funds drive. She later worshipped at Holy Trinity Catholic Cathedral in Homa Bay Town.
“We fellowshipped and participated in church development activities alongside the congregation at Faith Community Fellowship Sanctuary in Kochia and at Holy Trinity Catholic Cathedral in Homa Bay Town,” Ms Wanga posted on her social media platforms.
While Ms Wanga was in Homa Bay Town, Mr Wandayi attended a Sunday service at Christian Evangelical Fellowship Church in Atemo, Kabondo Kasipul, before joining the governor for the dowry ceremony.
An official from the governor’s office said Ms Wanga was travelling to Naivasha for the broad based government joint retreat when the helicopter encountered bad weather. She later arrived safely at the meeting.
Ms Wanga subsequently shared a video of her arrival in Naivasha while Mr Wandayi also confirmed that he had arrived.
“Arrived in Naivasha, Nakuru County, joining President Dr William Ruto, ODM party leader Dr Oburu Oginga, and colleague leaders at the critical Broad-Based Parliamentary Group. The meeting will focus on strengthening national unity, political stability and a shared development agenda for the benefit of all Kenyans,” Mr Wandayi wrote.
