The family of the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno has paid an emotional tribute, vowing to carry forward his legacy following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed his life and five others on Saturday, February 28.
Speaking during a requiem service for the victims held Wednesday morning at the Africa Gospel Church (AGC) in Karen, Nairobi, family representative Barnabas Ng’eno described the moment as both heartbreaking and a celebration of the life their son lived.
“It is a sad moment, but we thank God that we are here to celebrate the life of Ng’eno. We cherish the legacy he leaves behind, and we celebrate the life he lived,” Barnabas said.
“On behalf of the family, I thank you all for standing with us. Even in his death, it is the beginning of a new journey. He has left a solid legacy, and we will carry it on.”
He added that the family intends to continue the late MP’s vision. “We will continue with what you cherished: a united community, a progressive country, growth of talents for artists, the fight for land rights, and support for the community,” Barnabas said.
The family also expressed gratitude to political leaders and friends across the divide.
“We want to thank President William Ruto and his friends from across the political divide who supported his dreams and stood with him,” Barnabas added.
The helicopter crash in Chepkieb Forest, Mosop, claimed six lives, including Ng’eno, the pilot, George Were from Nyakach, Kisumu, forester Amos Kipngetich Rotich, the MP’s bodyguard Nick Koskei, his photographer Carlos Keter, high school teacher Wycliffe Rono, and an employee of Narok County government.
In honour of the deceased, legislators in the National Assembly approved a motion to suspend the morning sitting on Wednesday to allow members to attend the requiem service.
Ngeno, first elected to Parliament in 2013, was serving his third consecutive term at the time of his death. His burial is scheduled for Friday, following a joint final ceremony at Emurua Dikirr Primary School.
In line with Kipsigis customs, the bodies of Ng’eno and Rono will be transported from Lee Funeral Home to their rural homes for an overnight vigil on Thursday. The remains of Keter, Koskei, and Kipngetich will also depart Nairobi the same day.
On Friday, all six bodies will converge at Emurua Dikirr Primary School for a joint final ceremony before families proceed with individual burial rites.
A preliminary report by the National Police Service indicated that the helicopter was flying at a very low altitude before hitting trees and crashing, leading to the tragic loss of life.
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