Chopper carrying Governor Ruto makes emergency landing

The Eurocopter AS-350, which was carrying Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto, on the Southern Bypass on September 25, 2016. PHOTO | DENNIS ONSONGO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • On board the Eurocopta AS350 was the Governor, his bodyguard and the pilot.

A helicopter carrying Bomet Governor Ruto made an emergency landing on the Southern Bypass after the pilot avoided Wilson Airport due to poor visibility caused by rains.

It landed at around 6pm on an open field by the highway.

On board the Eurocopta AS350 was the governor, his bodyguard and the pilot.

The pilot, who requested anonymity, said he had tried to find a way to land at the airport — an hour after take-off — but it was not visible and “had to make a judgment call and find an alternative field”.

He said it was a “perfect landing”. He added that his two passengers, upon their safe arrival, were picked up by their private drivers.

By the timethe Nation visited the site at around 7pm, a few officers were on the site to keep off the public.

The pilot said he would only leave the chopper after he was sure there were enough police officers to watch over the whirlybird, which would stay there overnight before being flown off the next day to Wilson Airport.

Governor Ruto was not available for comment.