Tears, wailing as bodies of MP Ngeno, four aides arrive in Emurua Dikirr

Emotions ran high in Emurua Dikir Thursday as the bodies of the late area MP Johanna Ngeno and four aides who died alongside him arrived in the constituency ahead of a memorial service attended by leaders and thousands of residents from across the region.

The bodies were flown in by military helicopters, drawing hundreds of mourners who had gathered early in the day to pay their last respects.

Many were overcome with grief as the caskets were received amid solemn prayers, songs and moments of silence.

The arrival marked a significant moment in the final journey of the legislator who had represented Emurua Dikir in Kenya National Assembly.

Ngeno died in a tragic air crash on Saturday, February 28 in Nandi, together with four aides while travelling back from an event in Endebess, Trans Nzoia County.

Relatives, friends, political leaders and residents filled the memorial venue, many wiping away tears as the coffins were lowered from the helicopters and carried to the ceremony grounds.

Several leaders from across the country attended the emotional event, describing Ngeno as a dedicated public servant and a vocal defender of the interests of his constituents.

Speakers at the ceremony recalled the MP as a grassroots mobiliser whose leadership resonated strongly with residents of the South Rift.

They also paid tribute to the four others who perished in the crash.

Following the memorial service, the bodies of Ngeno and his close aide Wycliffe Rono were taken to their respective homes for an overnight vigil in accordance with Kipsigis cultural traditions, which allow family members and neighbours to pay final respects before burial.

The bodies of the other three victims, Nick Koskei, who served as the MP’s cameraman, Amos Rotich of the Kenya Forest Service, and Robert Keter, a teacher, were transferred to Kilgoris Referral Hospital mortuary.

Family members said arrangements were being finalised to ensure the victims are honoured appropriately during the final send-off.

Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu confirmed that all the bodies will later be returned to Emurua Dikir Primary School, where the main funeral ceremony will be held.

President William Ruto is expected to lead national leaders and residents in the final farewell ceremony scheduled for Friday.

The funeral service is expected to draw a large crowd as residents, colleagues and friends gather to celebrate the life of a leader many described as influential in regional politics.

Residents continued streaming into the area throughout the day, some travelling from neighbouring counties to join the mourning families and show solidarity with the community.

For many in Emurua Dikir, the tragedy has left a deep sense of loss, with residents describing Ngeno as a leader who remained closely connected to the people he served.

Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi said the residents will decide on their who they want to be their next leaders.