A Kenya Police rescue helicopter involved in evacuation efforts at the Chesongoch landslide site was on Monday forced to make an emergency landing after developing mechanical issues.
The chopper, which had just taken off from the mudslide-hit area en route to Eldoret Airstrip, turned back shortly after takeoff and made a hard landing near St. Mauras Academy, close to Chesongoch.
No casualties were reported during the incident.
Engineers from the National Police Service Airwing have been dispatched to the area to assess the aircraft and determine the cause of the malfunction.
A Vital Asset in the Chesongoch Rescue Effort
The helicopter has been a lifeline in the ongoing search and rescue operations, conducting an average of four flights daily between the tragedy site and Eldoret Airstrip.
It has been instrumental in ferrying humanitarian aid, rescuing the injured, transporting deceased victims, and supporting coordination teams responding to the disaster in Marakwet East.
Pilot Chief Inspector Ruth Rotiken: A Story of Courage and Compassion
The aircraft is piloted by Chief Inspector Ruth Rotiken, a seasoned pilot with over 10 years of flying experience in the Kenya Police Airwing.
Rotiken described the mission in Marakwet East as one of the most emotionally challenging in her career.
“I have been traumatized to see the suffering of children, women, and residents in the affected areas. I pray that God comforts them,” she said.
Despite the emotional toll, she affirmed her commitment to duty and continued leading daily flights to support rescue and relief operations.
Balancing Duty, Family, and Service
The 38-year-old officer, who is also a wife and mother, said she has learned to balance her demanding career with family life.
“I am used to this kind of work, and we have to do it so that we help those in need during such occurrences,” she said.
Rotiken expressed gratitude to her superiors in the National Police Service for their continued support and recognition of her efforts.
Trained as a pilot in South Africa, she has undertaken several specialized aviation courses, earning respect and admiration as one of Kenya’s leading female police pilots.
Her dedication and professionalism have made her a role model for young women aspiring to join both aviation and law enforcement.
Engineers Assess Chopper as Operations Continue
Authorities confirmed that rescue operations continue uninterrupted, even as technical teams work to restore the grounded aircraft.
The Chesongoch landslide has left dozens displaced and several feared dead, prompting an intense multi-agency response led by the Kenya Police, Kenya Defence Forces, Kenya Red Cross, and local administrators.
The Kenya Police Airwing remains an integral part of such missions, offering aerial support in disaster response, medical evacuations, and humanitarian relief across the country.
