The widow of Kenyan pilot George Were has emotionally shared how she discovered her husband had died in a tragic helicopter crash through social media posts.
Speaking during his burial ceremony in Nyakach, Emily Were recounted the painful moment she realized that her husband was among the victims of the accident.
Learning the News Online
Emily said she was holding her phone when she began seeing news reports and social media posts about a helicopter crash. At first, she did not realize her husband was involved.
But as more details appeared online, she slowly understood that the pilot mentioned in the reports was her husband.
“I learnt of my husband’s death on social media. I had the phone in my hand and then I started seeing the news. When I realized it was him, my first instinct was to call my children because they would soon see it online,” she said.
Fearing that her children would also discover the news on social media, she quickly contacted them before the reports spread further.
Remembering Their Life Together
During the emotional ceremony, Emily shared memories of their life together, describing her late husband as a loving partner and dedicated father.
She even recalled a humorous moment from their marriage involving their shared love for rhumba music.
According to her, George loved rhumba music so much that it once caused small disagreements between them until an incident changed everything.
The couple had once been carjacked in 2006 while returning from a rhumba club. After that frightening experience, they agreed to always inform their children whenever they went out at night.
Support from Leaders and Friends
Emily also expressed gratitude to government leaders and friends who helped the family during the difficult period.
She thanked William Ruto and Kithure Kindiki for their support.
She also acknowledged assistance from Raymond Omollo, who helped ensure that her children were able to travel back home quickly despite travel difficulties.
In addition, she thanked Kipchumba Murkomen for helping the family with funeral arrangements.
The Fatal Helicopter Crash
Captain George Were died in the helicopter crash on February 28, 2026, which also claimed the life of Johana Ng’eno and four other people.
The helicopter crashed near Chepkieb Forest shortly after attempting to take off from a temporary landing site.
Witnesses reported that heavy rain and poor visibility may have contributed to the accident.
Final Farewell
Family members, friends, aviation colleagues, and political leaders gathered to pay their last respects to the late pilot, remembering him as a skilled professional who dedicated his life to aviation and his family.
Although the tragedy has left deep pain for his loved ones, Emily said she is grateful that her children were able to return home in time to say goodbye and begin the process of healing together.
