Images shared widely on social media appear to show the helicopter in flight shortly before the crash.
In the photos, the aircraft looks stable, with nothing visibly wrong.
This has left many Kenyans asking what could have happened in the final moments before the tragedy.
Videos circulating online show the helicopter engulfed in flames deep inside the forest. Thick smoke can be seen rising above the trees as the fire consumes the wreckage.
In some clips, parts of the aircraft appear badly damaged, with charred remains visible inside. The fire spread quickly, fueled by dry vegetation in the area.
Residents living near Chepkieb said they heard a loud noise before spotting smoke rising from the forest.
Some rushed toward the scene, but the heavy bushes and intense heat from the burning wreckage made it hard to get close.
Local leaders and security officers later arrived to secure the area as rescue and recovery efforts began.
Police have urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information, saying investigations are still ongoing.
Aviation experts are expected to examine the crash site to determine the cause of the accident.
Weather conditions, mechanical failure, and human error are among the factors that investigators often consider in such incidents.
The crash has sent shockwaves across the region, with leaders and residents expressing sorrow over the incident.
Families of those feared to have been on board are anxiously waiting for official communication from authorities.
Emergency teams worked late into the evening to put out the flames and search through the wreckage.
The forested location slowed down operations, as vehicles could not easily access the site.
As investigations continue, many are holding onto hope for clarity about what led to the crash.
The images taken shortly before the helicopter went down now stand as haunting reminders of how quickly events can change.
