Ruto: MP Ngeno loved artists, he died coming from supporting one

President William Ruto signs the condolence book when he visited Emuria Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno's Karen home to condole with his family on March 2, 2026 / PCS

President William Ruto has paid tribute to the late Emuria Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno, highlighting both his leadership and his deep passion for nurturing artists.

The president recounted Ngeno’s dedication to supporting art and music in his community.

Speaking when he visited MP Ngeno’s Karen home to condole with the family in Karen on Monday, Ruto said that Ngeno was in a good mood attending an art event before he passed away.

“I know what Ngeno stood for and how difficult this loss is for the residents of Emurua Dikirr and for his family. Ngeno did an extraordinary job as a member of parliament and as a leader. He was passionate about what he did, committed to his assignments, and believed in serving the people. We have truly lost a man of great leadership qualities,” President Ruto said.

“I think everyone knows that Ngeno loved art and music. If there was one thing he always pressed me about, it was supporting artists. He kept saying, ‘Please support me to do this with the artists.’ And I was always there for him.”

He shared a notable incident from last December that demonstrated Ngeno’s commitment, saying he stood strong for what he wanted to achieve in nurturing talents.

“He called me several times until I finally picked up his call. He said, ‘I must see you.’ When I met him, he had organised a major function in Eldoret, an event for artists that drew close to 20,000 people. He told me it was going to be a big competition and he needed 20 million shillings. I told him to be serious, and then he said, ‘Sorry, it’s 30 million,” Ruto said.

“I asked him, with only two days left, where I was supposed to get the money. But we managed it because I could see his passion and commitment to developing our artists.”

Ruto expressed deep sorrow over the circumstances of Ngeno’s death, adding that he passed on coming from a ceremony to support artists.

“It is deeply unfortunate that Ngeno lost his life coming from a function to support an artist. His dedication to nurturing talent will always be remembered.”

The president said that Ngeno’s legacy as a public servant and a patron of the arts remains firmly etched in the hearts of his constituents and the many artists whose careers he championed.

Ruto has said it was the collective hope of the nation that MP Ngeno and five others would survive the helicopter crash in Nandi County.

The President described the news of the crash as devastating, noting that many leaders and citizens had prayed for the survival of those on board.

Ruto described the loss as a difficult moment for the country, particularly for colleagues who had worked closely with the late legislator, who also served as chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Housing.