Final speech in Kapweria: MP Ngeno’s afterlife message a day before death sparks reactions

Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno

A day after the death of Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno in a helicopter crash, residents are revisiting remarks he made during a public event that have since taken on haunting significance.

On Thursday, Ngeno delivered a speech laced with humour, faith and reflection about life and destiny while presiding over the issuance of bursaries to students at Kapweria.

In his characteristic style, he engaged the crowd with biblical references, drawing laughter even as he made thought-provoking remarks.

“There is a very good place. Even Jesus Christ stayed in this world for 33 years, but He told the people that there are things I want to say that will lead to my killing, but the killing is nothing because I am going to a good place to prepare for you,” Ngeno told residents.

He continued in a lighthearted tone, prompting laughter from the audience.

“You want to tell me Jesus has returned? No, because that place is indeed good. Who knows, maybe He has said let me continue to stay in that place to feel the goodness of it. What if I return and those people, Palestinians, kill me again?” he said amid laughter from residents.

The MP then turned the analogy toward himself, describing his attachment to his constituency while hinting at something beyond.

“So, even for me, this place, Dikirr, is a very good place for me, but there is another good place than this Dikirr, and I have gone to check, and it is very good,” he said.

“When I return, I will come and take you so that where I am, you are also there with me. Or do you want me to leave you behind?” he posed, again drawing laughter from the crowd.

“If there was none, I would not have told you.”

Ngeno assured constituents that he remained committed to completing key development projects before any transition.

“I am finishing this work here now—this bursary programme and projects for women, including the road project. I want to ensure this area has tarmac roads everywhere before I go,” he declared.

At the time, the remarks were received as political banter blended with religious metaphor. However, following his sudden death, many residents say the words now feel unusually poignant.

Leaders from across the political divide have described Ngeno as outspoken, charismatic and deeply committed to grassroots development.

The bodies of Ngeno and five other victims arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Sunday afternoon from Eldoret before being transported to Lee Funeral Home.