A Kenya Police Pilot’s Story of Hope and Heroism
By Isaac Kogey || Kass Digital
Chief Inspector Ruth Rotiken, a 38-year-old Kenya Police pilot, has become a symbol of hope in the skies above Chesongoch. When deadly landslides hit the area, Ruth was among the first responders, flying rescue missions day and night. She ferried the injured to safety, delivered food and medical aid, and helped transport victims who had lost their lives. Her steady presence and calm focus brought comfort to communities in distress.
Ruth’s journey to becoming one of Kenya’s most experienced police pilots began more than a decade ago. “I have been in training for more than ten years in South Africa,” she says with a proud but humble smile. Her years of training and commitment have earned her the skills to operate one of the Kenya Police Airwing’s most capable helicopters — a powerful aircraft that can carry up to 13 tonnes of cargo or 40 passengers.
Each flight demands precision and discipline, especially during emergencies. “The helicopter can’t fly if it has exceeded capacity,” Ruth explains. It’s a reminder that even in moments of urgency, safety must always come first. For her, every mission is about balancing speed, skill, and responsibility — knowing that every decision in the air can save lives on the ground.
Ruth’s work has taken her across Kenya’s toughest terrains. From the thick, unpredictable forests of Boni — where security operations are complicated by dense vegetation — to the rugged ridges of Elgeyo Marakwet, she has faced it all. “I have trained for only this kind of helicopter. If I want to change to another chopper, I have to train for it,” she says, highlighting the specialization and focus her job requires.
For Ruth, flying is not just a career — it’s a calling. Every trip she makes carries the weight of duty and the spirit of service, reminding Kenyans that heroes don’t always wear capes — some soar above the clouds to save lives.
