The atmosphere at Africa Gospel Church in Karen, Nairobi, was heavy with grief and reverence on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, and dozens of national and county leaders gathered to bid farewell to the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johanna Ng’eno and five others who perished in Saturday’s tragic helicopter crash in the Mosop area, Nandi County.

Deputy President Kindiki used the occasion to address speculation of a rift between Ng’eno and President Ruto.

He recalled a personal encounter with Ng’eno shortly after his appointment as DP, during which the outspoken MP pulled him aside with a piece of advice that clearly stuck.

“He told me that if I wanted to succeed, I must stand behind President Ruto and support him to deliver for Kenya. So if anybody had any doubt that the late Johana Ng’eno was a friend and supporter of the President, that doubt must be removed today,” Kindiki declared.

The DP went further, pushing back against those who may have underestimated the late MP, saying, “I want to agree with those who said that many people may have underrated the intelligence, wit, and leadership quality of Johana Ng’eno.”

He pledged that the government would not only implement all development projects Ng’eno had envisioned for Emurua Dikirr and Narok, but would also cover the burial expenses for all six families affected by the crash.

Speaker Wetangula brought a lighter moment to an otherwise solemn service when he recalled a private conversation in which Ng’eno confided that the Kipsigis community had endorsed him as their kingpin.

True to his character, Wetangula said he did not simply congratulate him, he gave him an assignment.

“Ng’eno aliniambia watu wa Kipsigis wanataka akuwe kingpin wao, nikamuambia aende aongee na Aaron Cheruiyot,” Wetangula said.

Before his death, Ng’eno had indeed carved out that role, becoming a fierce defender of the Kipsigis community across Kericho, Bomet, and parts of Narok, an advocacy that had seen him arrested on multiple occasions, particularly over longstanding land disputes.

Among the most emotionally raw tributes came from PS Charles Hinga, who wept as he remembered the unlikely bond he formed with Ng’eno during the turbulent passage of the Housing Bill.

He admitted that when Ng’eno was named committee chairman, he had reservations, knowing the MP’s history of clashing with the previous administration.

But Ng’eno quickly disarmed him with something unexpected, humour.

“You know chairman had many attributes. He had a very interesting sense of humor,” Hinga said.

Perhaps the most heartbreaking tribute came from Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu, who lost not just a political ally but a son-in-law. Fighting back emotion, he described the day of the crash as the saddest of his life.

“This is the saddest day of my life. I lost my son-in-law, who is the husband to my daughter, Johana,” he said.

Ntutu revealed that on the very morning of the crash, Ng’eno had called him, cheerfully inviting him to join a trip to Nandi where he planned to distribute bursary cheques to needy students. When Ntutu said he was too far away in Maji Moto, Narosura, Ng’eno laughed and offered a solution only a man with a chopper could.

“Governor, I have a chopper, I can pick you and then you can join me later. Little did I know that was the last day I was going to talk to my friend and son-in-law,” Ntutu recalled.

“To the people of Kenya, we have lost a man who has done so much for his people. Death is very cruel,” Governor Ntutu concluded.

ODM’s Party Leader and Siaya Senator, Oburu Odinga, also took the microphone, calling out leaders he felt were exploiting Ng’eno’s death for political mileage.

He reminded the congregation that politicians, regardless of their opinions or influence, remain ordinary mortals.

His remarks came against a backdrop of allegations, amplified by former DP Rigathi Gachagua, that Ng’eno may have been silenced due to his bold political stance. The state has since launched a formal inquiry into the cause of the crash.

“I know politicians are going to start talking about some ill motive behind his (MP Ng’eno) death. Politicians with very little agendas always want to read some malice in the death of a politician,” Oburu said.

Ng’eno’s burial is set for this Friday, 6th March, 2026.