Leaders pay tribute to late Ngeno at memorial service

The nation’s political leadership, clergy, and grieving families gathered Wednesday at Karen AGC to honour Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno and five others who perished in the February 28 helicopter crash.

The solemn service drew leaders from across the political divide, reflecting the breadth of Ngeno’s relationships and influence.

Speakers across party lines described him as bold yet warm, combative yet conciliatory, a man who fought fiercely for his people but never allowed politics to overshadow friendship.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki led the tributes, recalling a friendship forged across political differences and robust debate.

“I knew Ngeno quite a lot. We did not agree on many things, but he was a very, very good friend of mine,” Kindiki said.

“We agreed on all the ideas and visions he had for the people of Emurua Dikirr, we only differed on the methodology.”

Kindiki said many had underrated Ngeno’s intelligence and wit, describing him as “a solid professional and visionary leader” who skillfully balanced firmness with warmth.

“He was a very strong defender of his people, sometimes abrasive, but he balanced that with easy laughter when off duty, when he was not doing the rough politics of Emurua Dikirr and Narok County,” he noted.

The Deputy President also affirmed Ngeno’s loyalty to President William Ruto, recalling a public declaration in Kilgoris where the MP openly urged support for the Head of State.

“If anyone doubted that the late Ngeno was a friend and supporter of the President, let that doubt be removed today with the witness statement I am providing,” Kindiki said. “He said it loudly and boldly.”

His voice heavy with emotion, Kindiki added: “I have lost a brother and a friend.”

He further assured residents of Emurua Dikirr that the government would honour the ideals Ngeno championed, including balancing environmental conservation in the Mau ecosystem with land rights and development for local communities.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula remembered the late MP as vibrant and full of life.

“Johana was a man full of life. The moment he arrived anywhere, the mood would change. He was a good man with a clean heart,” Wetang’ula said.

He urged Kenyans to accept the tragedy without apportioning blame. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen reflected on their shared political journey, noting that they entered Parliament around the same time.

“He was a person who could fight during the day and negotiate at night,” Murkomen said, describing him as strategic and pragmatic.

He also revealed that beneath his tough political exterior was a quietly devout man of faith.

Murkomen lauded Ngeno’s tenure as chairperson of the National Assembly’s housing committee, saying he did a “fantastic job” steering critical legislation.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya recalled her cordial relationship with Ngeno, sharing a light moment that drew laughter from the congregation.

“When I vied for the Narok gubernatorial seat in 2022, he used to call me ‘my governor’, even though I knew very well where his heart was,” she said with a smile.

Despite political differences, she noted, Ngeno was always respectful and warm toward her.

“He was soft with me,” she added, before turning reflective. “We have lost a great friend and a great leader.”

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah termed him courageous, outspoken, and deeply dedicated to his constituents.

His Senate Majority counterpart Aaron Cheruiyot called him “a true son of the soil” who fought long and hard to ensure his people were represented.

National Assembly Clerk Samuel Njoroge also paid tribute, describing all six men as diligent professionals and devoted family breadwinners whose loss has left a painful void.

Reflecting on Ngeno’s absence, Njoroge shared a poignant moment from Parliament.

“On Monday, as I was reviewing the Division list of the House, something we do every week, it struck me how fragile life is. I had to delete the name of Member Number 52 from the roll,” he said.

“Today, in my Division list, Emurua Dikirr is vacant.”

Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu said Ngeno remained committed to his constituents until the very end.

“That morning, he called to say he would be issuing bursaries. We have lost a man who truly served his people,” Ntutu said, describing him as open-hearted, forgiving, and visionary.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja hailed Ngeno’s legacy in affordable housing and support for the creative industry, noting that projects in Mukuru and Kibera stand as a testament to his contribution.

He described him as a patron of the arts who supported musicians and creatives.

Kericho Governor Eric Mutai said Ngeno became the first casualty through impeachment for associating himself with him in the kingpin debate.

He also praised him as a man who loved people, stood with people, “he had an open heart, he was forgiving and a man who had a vision.”

Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga described him as sharp-minded and principled in legislative debates.

“He was a man whose mind worked like a well-cut diamond, sharp, multifaceted, and always seeking truth,” Hinga said, adding that his contributions to the housing bill debates reflected deep legal understanding.

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei termed the deaths a profound national loss, saying the fallen leaders had faithfully served their country.

Housing committee vice chairperson Rindikiri Mugambi eulogised his late Chair as “a man full of empathy and deep concern for Kenyans…gentle yet firm, and a steady voice of reason.”

He added, “Through his leadership, the Committee achieved significant milestones. We have truly lost a great man.”

The Chairperson of the AdHoc Funeral Planning Committee and Tinderet MP Julius Melly remembered Ngeno as “a tribe-less leader who fought for worthy causes and spoke his mind.”

Plans were announced for a joint vigil at Emurua Dikirr Primary School and a State-led funeral on March 6.