“Husband of My Youth”: Naiyanoi Ntutu’s Heartbreaking Tribute to Johana Ng’eno

The African Gospel Church in Karen was filled with mourners on Wednesday morning.

They gathered for the requiem mass of Johana Ng'eno. He was the Member of Parliament for Emurua Dikirr.

His widow, Naiyanoi Ntutu, stood to give a tribute. Her words were deeply personal. She spoke to her husband as if he were still there.

The Love of Her Youth

Naiyanoi called Johana the husband of my youth whose name alone carries a lifetime inside it. They had been together since they were young.

"To my beloved Joha, the husband of my youth. Joha, your name carries a lifetime inside it," she said amid sobs.

She remembered a time when life was "soft and full of possibility." They learned how to navigate life as a team.

She said he made the world feel less frightening.

"Losing you feels like losing the music of my youth, the laughter, the dreams, the simplicity of believing we had endless time."

A Devoted Father

The MP was known for his politics. However, his wife focused on his role at home.

She said he "adored" his children. He held them with pride and played with them.

Naiyanoi told the mourners that he looked at his children as his greatest accomplishments.

READ ALSO: PHOTOS: Meet Naiyanoi Ntutu, the Dignified Widow of Late MP Johana Ng’eno

To his children, he was a hero. To her, he was a gentle devoted father with the biggest heart.

"The way you loved your children, you adored them you held them with pride you played with them you looked at them like they were your greatest accomplishments..."

"In their eyes you were a hero in mine you were a gentle devoted father with the biggest heart. You were my beginning was still new and pure," she added.

The Chopper Crash

The MP died on Sunday, 1 March. He was involved in a helicopter crash. The accident happened in Mosop, Nandi County.

The news of the crash shocked the nation. Johana Ng'eno was a vocal leader in the South Rift region. He had served the people of Emurua Dikirr for several terms.

Memories Remain

Naiyanoi spoke about his laugh. She said it made even ordinary days feel like a celebration. She told the congregation she could still hear it.

She acknowledged the pain of the loss. However, she remained firm in her love. She said that "even death cannot take what we built".

"You'll always be my Joha. Rest gently my love. You're forever part of me."

The service was attended by family, friends, and fellow politicians. They came to offer support to the family.

Naiyanoi ended her speech by saying the memories and the family they created would never be erased. She thanked the "God of comfort" for his support during this difficult time