A family in Chemina Village, Emurua Dikirr Constituency, is grappling with grief after losing their only son and breadwinner, Robert Keter, popularly known as Carlos, in a tragic helicopter crash in Mosop, Nandi County. The crash also claimed the life of Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament, Johana Ng’eno, along with four other individuals.
Carlos, 33, was remembered by his family as a hardworking, focused young man full of dreams. His sudden death has left them struggling to come to terms with the loss of a son they had relied upon for emotional and financial support.
Speaking from their rural home, Carlos’ mother, Grace Mutai, recounted their last conversation with deep sorrow. She said her son had big plans to improve the family’s living conditions and was in the process of building a new house.
“In our last conversation, he told me to continue cutting down trees so that we could prepare timber for roofing the new house,” Grace said, fighting back tears. “He was very determined to give us a better home. We never imagined that would be our last talk.”
Carlos’ sister, Chepkorir Happiness, also shared her final interaction with her brother. At exactly 11:45 p.m., Carlos called to request Sh1,000, promising to refund it after completing his journey. “He sounded normal and calm. He told me not to worry and that he would send back the money once he returned,” she said. “I did not know that would be the last time I would hear his voice.”
The family revealed that Carlos had recently received his Teachers Service Commission (TSC) appointment letter and was eagerly looking forward to starting his teaching career. His aspirations, coupled with his dedication to his family, made the sudden tragedy even more devastating.
The helicopter crash has left a void in the family and the community, highlighting the fragility of life and the unpredictability of sudden loss. Carlos’ family now mourns not only a son and brother but also the unrealized dreams he carried for himself and his loved ones.
