Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has penned a personal tribute to the late Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Ng’eno, describing him as a close friend, confidant, and political soulmate whose death has left a void.

Gachagua describes Ng’eno death as a thief that has robbed Kenya and the Kipsigis community of one of their most fearless and selfless advocate, a leader who never shied away from speaking truth to power regardless of the personal cost.

The fomer Deputy President praised Ng’eno for teaching him the importance of standing unapologetically for one’s community.

Gachagua  further described the late MP as unwavering in his mission to uplift the Kipsigis people, a community he said had been deliberately marginalised for decades despite sitting on some of the most fertile land in the country, yet still lacking basic infrastructure like roads, electricity, and water.

“You were unbowed and resolute in championing the interests of the Kipsigis community, a hardworking community that has been marginalized and demeaned for decades. A community, despite having the most productive soils in the country and blessed with rains by God throughout the years, have suffered from neglect and unspeakable suppression lacking roads, electricity and water,” he said.

Meanwhile, Gachagua did not hold back in calling out those he believes made Ng’eno’s life difficult.

He revealed that on several occasions he personally intervened to protect the MP from humiliation, including instances where powerful individuals physically barred him from accessing State House.

He also stood by him when forces attempted to block his appointment as Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Housing.

In a pointed remark, Gachagua said he was deeply disgusted watching the same people who persecuted Ng’eno in life now standing at the front of his mourning procession.

“I have seen your tormentors who hunted you like an antelope shedding crocodile tears and shamelessly pretending to mourn your death,” he wrote.

He explained that his own principles prevented him from attending the burial, saying he could not bring himself to share space with those who made Ng’eno’s life a struggle while they now performed grief for public consumption.

“I have seen your tormentors who hunted you like an antelope shedding crocodile tears and shamelessly pretending to mourn your death. I would have wanted to come and bury you but my principles can’t allow me to sit with those who tormented and persecuted you in life as they pretend to love you in death,” Gachagua stated.

Gachagua extended his condolences to Ng’eno’s young family and the people of Emurua Dikirr, and prayed that the Kipsigis communitym whom he described as now orphaned, would in time find another brave voice to champion their cause the way their kingpin did.

” I feel for your young family and the Kipsigis community and the people of Emurua Dikirr constituency. May almighty God give your young family comfort and fortitude as they come to terms with the reality of your untimely departure. Rest well Johanna Ng’eno, the Kingpin. Hero of our time, until we meet again,” he concluded.