Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has slammed Governor Ochillo Ayacko after he declared that the Linda Mwananchi faction will not be allowed in Migori County.
Speaking on Monday, March 2, Senator Sifuna said they won’t be intimidated and will visit Migori County.
The embattled ODM Secretary General said they are waiting for Ramadan to end before resuming their rallies.
“Our meetings will continue because we are not cowards. We are waiting for Ramadan to end and then organize our schedule.
“I want to assure the Governor of Migori that we will come to Migori, we cannot be intimidated. Raila did not raise cowards; he should prepare himself, and we will give him the date,” said Sifuna.
File image of Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko.
On Sunday, March 1, Governor Ayacko said he will not allow the Linda Mwanachi faction to take violence to Migori.
The ODM governor noted that Migori County is allied to Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga’s camp in ODM.
“We who are in Migori do not want anyone coming here to play games with us. Will you allow that other faction to come here to Migori?
“If you are someone who thrives on causing chaos, look for another place to do that. Here in Migori, our leader is Oburu Oginga,” said Governor Ayacho.
This comes after the Linda Mwananchi team held massive rallies in Busia, Kitengela, and Kakamega.
The faction comprises Sifuna, James Orengo, Babu Owino, Richard Onyonka, Godfrey Osotsi, Anthony Kibagendi, Pauline Njoroge, Brian Weke, and Caleb Amisi.
Other members are Caroli Omondi, Wanami Wamboka, Patrick Makau, Joshua Kimilu, Majimbo Kalasinga, Wilberforce Oundo, Raphael Wanjala, and Obadiah Barongo.
The team is opposed to the idea of the ODM party backing President William Ruto’s re-election in 2027.
They rival the one loyal to Oburu, who took over the ODM party’s leadership after Raila Odinga’s death in October 2025.
The government has released the flight path of the helicopter that crashed and claimed the lives of six people, including Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno.
Speaking on Sunday, March 1, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir outlined the aircraft’s movements on Saturday, February 2, providing a timeline of its departure, stopovers, refueling, and final moments before it disappeared from radar.
According to Chirchir, the helicopter, registration 5Y-DSB, departed Wilson Airport at exactly 11:04 a.m. with only George Were, the pilot, on board.
The aircraft then flew to Emurua Dikirr in Narok County, arriving at Ng’eno’s home at 11:55 a.m. At that point, the legislator and four other passengers boarded the chopper.
The helicopter departed Emurua Dikirr at 12:20 p.m. carrying Ng’eno and his four companions. Nine minutes later, at 12:29 p.m., the chopper landed at Mararianta River.
It remained there for approximately 25 minutes before taking off again at 12:54 p.m., still with Ng’eno and his team on board.
The aircraft proceeded to Endebes in Trans Nzoia County, landing at 2:04 p.m. Ng’eno and his crew alighted to attend a function in the area.
Just three minutes later, at 2:07 p.m., the helicopter departed for Eldoret Airstrip to refuel.
File image of Johana Ng’eno
It landed at Eldoret Airstrip at 2:29 p.m. After refueling, the chopper took off again at 3:07 p.m., returning to Endebes where it landed at 3:41 p.m.
The aircraft then departed Endebes at 3:43 p.m., marking the beginning of its final journey.
At 4:20 p.m., the helicopter made what was described as an emergency landing in Tabolwa. However, it took off again five minutes later at 4:25 p.m.
Just one minute after takeoff, at 4:26 p.m., the aircraft disappeared from radar, ultimately crashing and claiming the lives of all six on board.
The State Department for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has urged Kenyans living in the Middle East to exercise caution amid the ongoing conflict in the region.
In an advisory on Saturday, February 28, Diaspora Affairs PS Roseline Njogu also urged Kenyans planning to travel to the Middle East to be vigilant.
PS Njogu noted that the situation in the Middle East remains fluid and could change without prior notice.
“The Government of Kenya is closely monitoring the evolving security situation in parts of the Middle East.
“We urge all Kenyan citizens residing in, or planning to travel to, the region to exercise heightened vigilance. The situation remains fluid and may change without notice,” read part of the advisory.
File image of PS Roseline Njogu.
PS Njogu called on Kenyans in the Middle East to ensure they are registered with the nearest Kenyan Embassy or Consulate.
She also advised Kenyan citizens to avoid areas where security operations are ongoing or may occur and to postpone non-essential travel.
“Comply strictly with instructions issued by host governments and security agencies. Monitor verified updates from local authorities and the Kenyan diplomatic mission,” PS Njogu stated.
Further, she urged the Kenyan nationals to maintain regular communication with their family, employer, and the Kenyan mission and only rely on official communication channels.
Kenyans in distress were advised to contact the nearest Kenyan Embassy or Consulate immediately or call the 24-hour diaspora emergency hotline: +254 207 876 000
“The State Department for Diaspora Affairs remains operational around the clock to support Kenyans abroad,” PS Njogu added.
The advisory comes after the United States and Israel launched coordinated military action against Iran.
During the attack, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed.
In response, Iran carried out strikes against neighboring Gulf states following the U.S. and Israeli attacks.
Among the countries hit by Iran were the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait.
Meanwhile, national carrier Kenya Airways has suspended flights to Dubai after the UAE closed its airspace.
Presidential candidate Reuben Kigame has blasted an Easy Coach passenger bus after putting his life at risk on the Chavakali-Kapsabet Highway.
In a statement on Sunday, March 1, Kigame explained that the vehicle, a Prado, was forced to swerve out of the road after encountering the speeding bus, which had its headlights in full beam.
The incident occurred at 5 am at Shiru along the aforementioned road.
He accused the driver of careless driving that endangered his life and those of others in the car.
“Narrowly escaped death at 5:00 am this morning because of careless overtaking and speeding of the Easy Coach bus along the Kapsabet-Chavakali road. We had to swerve to avoid a head-on collision, landing us in a ditch,” he said.
Kigame took issue with the Easy Coach company for not instilling discipline among its drivers.
“Shame on you as a company. You wanted to kill us this morning. Shame on your drivers,” he said.
He also extended blame to the authorities responsible for the wellness of the road, which he noted is in a pathetic condition that would contribute to accidents.
Reuben Kigame’s vehicle swerved on the side of the road while escaping an oncoming Easy Coach bus.
Kigame was on his way to the University of Eldoret, where he had been called for a talk.
“The contractor, county and highways authority are responsible for the condition of the road at Shiru where the incident occurred. Praise be to God who has spared our lives, and many thanks to Mr Manasseh Kijo and his young men who helped us out of that ditch. Glad to be able to proceed with my journey to speak at the University of Eldoret,” he remarked.
Chavakali-Kapsabet Highway has been regarded as a death trap for a time due to its state.
The road is known to bear many potholes that have contributed to accidents in the past.
Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) marked the highway for rehabilitation under a World Bank programme.
To be rehabilitated will be the Chavakali–Kapsabet–Eldoret road, which spans about 100 kilometres, linking the counties of Vihiga, Nandi, and Uasin Gishu.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called for international investigators, including the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United Kingdom’s Scotland Yard, to probe the fatal helicopter crash that claimed the life of Emurua Dikirr MP Johanna Ng’eno.
Speaking on Sunday during a church service at AIPCA Nyandarua North Diocese in Nyandarua County, Gachagua said the circumstances surrounding the crash require what he termed an “independent and transparent” investigation beyond Kenya’s national agencies.
“We cannot leave such a serious matter to local agencies alone. This country needs a thorough, credible investigation. Let the FBI and Scotland Yard come and help us uncover the truth,” Gachagua said.
Ng’eno died on February 28 after a private helicopter, registration 5Y-DSB, crashed in the Chepkieb area, Mosop, Nandi County, at about 4:45 p.m., killing all six people on board.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed that investigations are underway through the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department to determine the cause of the crash.
However, the former Deputy President linked the crash to events surrounding his October 2024 impeachment, alleging that Ng’eno had previously confided in him about threats related to the vote.
“He came to see me at 2 a.m., crying, showing me messages that William Ruto had sent him, threatening him that if he didn’t impeach me, he would face dire consequences,” Gachagua claimed.
Ng’eno was among the 281 National Assembly members who voted to impeach Gachagua on October 8, 2024.
The Senate upheld the impeachment on October 17, 2024, finding him guilty on five counts, including gross violation of the Constitution, corruption, and insubordination, under Article 145 of the Constitution.
Gachagua alleged that he advised Ng’eno to sign the impeachment motion, saying resistance would not change the outcome and could endanger the MP and his family.
“I told him Ruto has the numbers; he has bought everybody. Even if you don’t sign, it will change nothing. Instead of endangering your life and your family, just sign,” he said.
He further claimed that State agencies monitored his movements and communications, alleging that the National Intelligence Service bugged his hotel room during a separate meeting with Ng’eno in Kisumu.
By the time of publication, the State House and the NIS had not publicly responded to the allegations.
Siaya governor James Orengo has restated his doubts on the ability of Senator Oburu Oginga to steward the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
According to him, ODM needs a tough leader who has actively been involved in Kenya’s liberation struggle, like the late Raila Odinga.
Speaking on Sunday, March 1, in an interview, the governor suggested that ODM is a political behemoth that cannot conform to the status quo.
As such, its leader ought to be a political juggernaut who understands the aspects of political struggle and fight.
Orengo noted that Oburu did not inherit the political acumen of his father, the late Jaramogi Oginga, which made Raila rise instead.
“Most of his father’s life was in politics. Oburu was never in the forefront, never teargassed, or even tested the inside of a police station. It was not by accident that Raila was the true heir. He is a good and honest man, but I think he can’t lead the party in the right direction if he is going to be manipulated by characters in the party,” Orengo said.
At the same time, Orengo said he would step up to lead ODM should the party choose him in the upcoming National Delegates Conference (NDC).
Oburu took over the Orange party after the demise of his younger brother, Raila.
Since the start of his tenure last October, Oburu has been faced with the challenge of uniting the political outfit, with tough factionalism posing a great challenge to his leadership.
He leads the faction supporting the broad-based government. His side rivals with that of embattled secretary general Edwin Sifuna, where Orengo belongs.
The Sifuna-led wing is opposed to the broad-based government and the idea of ODM backing President William Ruto in his re-election bid.
They also insist that Oburu’s tenure is invalid as he was not elected through the NDC.
People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has joined the nation in mourning the victims of the tragic helicopter crash in Nandi County that claimed the lives of several people, including Emua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno and the pilot, George Were.
In a statement on Sunday, March 1, Karua extended her condolences to the family of the Emurua Dikirr legislator, praising his dedication to his constituents and his service to the nation.
“It is with a heavy heart that I join the nation in mourning the lives lost in yesterday’s tragic helicopter crash in Nandi County.
“To the family of Hon. Johana Ng’eno, Member of Parliament for Emurua Dikirr, Kenya has lost a serving legislator who was a fierce defender of his constituents. His constituency, his family, and his colleagues in Parliament have my deepest sympathies,” she said.
Karua also remembered the other victims of the crash, noting that each life lost represented a deep personal tragedy to loved ones.
“I also mourn the loss of the remaining passengers, whose names have not yet received official confirmation. Each of them was someone’s parent, child, sibling, or friend. Their families are in my thoughts and prayers,” she added.
However, Karua paid special tribute to the pilot, George Were, revealing that she had worked closely with him during the 2022 general election campaign period.
“But I must speak especially of George Were, the pilot of that helicopter, and a man I knew personally.
“George was my assigned pilot during the 2022 Azimio presidential campaign. He flew me across this country through long days, difficult terrain, and demanding schedules,” she further said.
File image of departed Emua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno
Karua went on to describe the pilot’s character, remembering his professionalism, patience, and warmth during challenging moments.
“George was patient. He had a sense of humor and made an effort to accommodate everyone around him, regardless of the circumstances, and he always had an encouraging word. On the difficult days of that campaign, those words mattered more than he may have known,” she explained.
Karua offered comfort to Were’s family, saying his kindness and presence left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
“To his family, George brought something rare to his work, a warmth that stayed with you long after you landed. That is a rare gift. All those who had the privilege of knowing him will remember him,” she concluded.
President William Ruto has condemned strikes by Iran targeting Middle East nations, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar.
In a statement on Monday, March 2, the President warned that the regionalization of the conflict represents a grave danger to international peace and security.
“Kenya strongly condemns the strikes on the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain in the evolving conflict in the Middle East.
“It is evident that the regionalization of this conflict poses a grave threat to international peace and security,” Ruto stated.
The Head of State emphasized that longstanding multilateral institutions remain indispensable in resolving the Iran crisis.
President Ruto called for an urgent multi-stakeholder engagement to de-escalate the ongoing crisis.
“At this defining and perilous moment in global history, longstanding multilateral institutions remain indispensable frameworks for the resolution of the current crisis in the Middle East,” said Ruto.
He continued, “Kenya calls for urgent multi-stakeholder engagement towards de-escalation.”
Ruto’s remarks come after the United States and Israel launched coordinated military action against Iran.
During the attack, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed.
In response, Iran carried out strikes against neighboring states, including the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait.
Tehran used ballistic missiles and drones to launch wide-scale attacks on US allies across the Middle East.
So far, more than 200 people have been killed and more than 700 others injured in the Iran conflict.
Meanwhile, the State Department for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has urged Kenyans living in the Middle East to exercise caution amid the ongoing conflict in the region.
In an advisory on Saturday, February 28, Diaspora Affairs PS Roseline Njogu also asked Kenyans planning to travel to the Middle East to be vigilant.
PS Njogu noted that the situation in the Middle East remains fluid and could change without prior notice.
“The Government of Kenya is closely monitoring the evolving security situation in parts of the Middle East.
“We urge all Kenyan citizens residing in, or planning to travel to, the region to exercise heightened vigilance. The situation remains fluid and may change without notice,” read part of the advisory.
Further, PS Njogu called on Kenyans in the Middle East to ensure they are registered with the nearest Kenyan Embassy or Consulate.
The National Police Service (NPS) has appealed to members of the public to remain calm as investigations continue into the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the life of Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno and five others.
In a statement on Sunday, March 1, the Inspector-General of Police conveyed his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
“Following the tragic helicopter crash yesterday, 28th February 2026, the Inspector-General of Police, on behalf of the National Police Service and in his personal capacity, conveys his condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the late Hon. Johana Ngeno, Member of Parliament for Emurua Dikirr, and the five other individuals who sadly lost their lives in this devastating incident,” the statement read.
NPS confirmed that responsibility for determining the cause of the accident has now been handed over to the relevant aviation authority, in line with established procedures governing aircraft incidents.
“In accordance with standard operating procedures and international civil aviation guidelines, the management of the investigation into the cause of the accident has formally been taken over by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department,” the statement added.
NPS notes that their role at this stage is to maintain security at the crash scene and facilitate the work of investigators tasked with uncovering what led to the fatal accident.
“Officers from the National Police Service remain at the scene to secure the area and provide the requisite support to the aircraft accident investigators. We appeal to the public to remain calm as investigations continue,” the statement concluded.
File image of the helicopter that crashed and killed Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno and five others
Ng’eno was first elected to Parliament in 2013 on a Kenya National Congress (KNC) ticket. He went on to defy shifting regional political tides to retain his seat in 2017 under the Kenya African National Union (KANU) and again in 2022 on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.
His ability to survive politically across party lines made him one of the most resilient figures in South Rift politics.
At the time of his death, Ng’eno chaired the Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works in the 13th Parliament.
Under his leadership, the committee played an instrumental role in the passage of the Affordable Housing Act, 2024, which established a framework for the development and access to decent and affordable housing for Kenyans.
In the 12th Parliament, he served as a member of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, where he was known for his outspoken contributions during legislative debates.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has since constituted a team to coordinate with the family in planning the burial arrangements of the late legislator.
Following the demise of the vocal MP, Wetang’ula appointed Tinderet MP Julius Melly, assisted by Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri, to lead the coordination team.
“As we mourn the loss of a devoted legislator and a committed servant of the people, I have appointed a team led by the Member for Tinderet Constituency, Hon. Julius Melly, CBS, MP, and assisted by Hon. Mugambi Rindikiri, CBS, MP, and eight other Members, to liaise with the family to coordinate support for the family, including the send-off, upon decision by the family,” read a statement released by Wetang’ula.
Leaders across the political divide have continued to send messages of condolence, describing Ng’eno as a fearless and dedicated representative whose voice will be greatly missed in Parliament and beyond.
