A police rescue operation in Chesongoch, Elgeyo Marakwet County, turned tense on Monday after a police helicopter carrying victims of the recent landslide was forced to make an emergency landing following a mechanical malfunction.
According to a video circulating online, the police chopper, which had just airlifted several victims from the landslide site, experienced lift-off failure moments after takeoff.
The aircraft is seen struggling to gain altitude before wobbling dangerously and being forced back to the ground.
In the footage, the pilot appears to attempt another takeoff, but the helicopter again fails to rise steadily, prompting immediate concern among onlookers.
Witnesses reported that the crew quickly aborted the mission to avoid a possible crash. Police technicians and aviation engineers were later called to inspect the helicopter and determine the cause of the malfunction.
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Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the crew or the rescued victims during the scare.
The incident comes just two days after a devastating landslide struck Chesongoch, claiming several lives and leaving dozens homeless.
The tragedy followed heavy rains that have battered parts of Kenya, leading to flooding, destruction of property, and displacement of families.
Many Kenyans have expressed sympathy and solidarity with those affected by the landslide, while also commending the police and emergency teams for their swift response despite the challenges.
Authorities have since assured the public that safety checks will be intensified on all aircraft involved in rescue and relief operations.
The Kenya Police Airwing has not yet issued an official statement on the incident, but sources indicate that the grounded helicopter remains under inspection as investigations continue into the cause of the failed lift-off.
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