Rescue mission scare as police aircraft suffers glitch while airlifting mudslide victims

The plane appeared to have developed problems while taking off from the mudslides area heading to Eldoret Airstrip.

The plane had taken off by shortly after turned back making a hard landing at St Mauras Academy near Chesongoch.

Engineers have been taken to the area to assess the chopper that has played a critical role in the search and rescue mission since the mudslides tragedy happened.

The chopper has been operating averagely four trips daily to and from the tragedy area.

The chopper is piloted by Chief Inspector Ruth Rotiken who had earlier narrated her experience in the exercise.

She said that although she has responded to many disaster missions in her career, the devastation in Marakwet East deeply moved her.

“I have been traumatized to see the suffering of children, women, and all residents in affected areas. I pray that God comforts them,” she said.

Rotiken, a pilot with ten years of experience, said despite the emotional toll, she remained focused on her duty to support ongoing rescue and relief operations.

She has been flying a Kenya Police helicopter from the Eldoret Airstrip, making an average of four trips daily to ferry humanitarian aid, the injured, the dead, and officials coordinating the mission.

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 added.

The 38-year-old officer, who is also a family woman, said she has learned to balance her demanding career with family life.

She expressed pride in serving in the National Police Service and gratitude for the support of her superiors.

Rotiken trained as a pilot in South Africa and has undergone several specialized courses to enhance her skills.

Her dedication has made her a role model for many young women aspiring to join aviation and law enforcement.