Ruto: When I heard news of copter crash I hoped MP Ngeno and colleagues would survive

President William Ruto speaking when he visited MP Emuria Dikirr Johana Ngeno's Karen home on March 2, 2026 / PCS

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

Speaking as he condoled with the family of Ngeno in Karen on Monday, 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.

“We have come here to share this very heavy moment with the family and with the families of the other members of Ngeno’s delegation. It was our wish that Ngeno and the colleagues who were with him, the other five members from different families, would have survived that crash,” he said.

Ruto said he had personally attended to convey his condolences, as well as those of his family and the government, to the widow, children, and relatives of the late MP.

He said the government would stand with the affected families during the mourning period as the country comes to terms with the loss of six lives in the tragic crash.

“Unfortunately, that was not the case, and that is why we are here this afternoon to share this very heavy moment with the family and with the families of the other members of Ngeno’s delegation,” he added.

Ruto assured residents of Emurua Dikirr that they will continue to receive government support following the death of their Member of Parliament, Ngeno, in a helicopter crash.

The President described the loss as painful but urged them to remain steadfast in faith.

“I am sharing this moment with you. It is a difficult moment for the family, for the people of Emurua Dikirr, and for his friends, but I want to assure you that God is in control. Nothing happens that takes God by surprise,” he said.

Ruto said the government would stand with the family and the constituency during the mourning period and beyond.

“So we will be here. God will lead us into doing the right things,” he added.

The President noted that he was personally familiar with the late MP’s family, having visited their home in Emurua Dikirr.

Ngeno's family, his wife, is somebody I have come to know. I have been to her home in Emurua Dikirr. I know she has explained to me what needs to be done, and it will be done so that we can carry on the legacy of our brother Ngeno and that of the family,” he said.

He reassured constituents that ongoing and priority development projects initiated by the late legislator would be completed.

Ruto thanked Members of Parliament for the solidarity they had shown to their fallen colleague, saying unity among leaders was crucial as the country prepared to lay him to rest.

“I want to thank all Members of Parliament for the solidarity you have shown with your colleague and our brother Ngeno. I think this is the spirit as we go through the final motions to his resting place,” he said.