President Ruto recalls Ngeno's bold plea to fund artists

President William Ruto/PCS

President William Ruto has recounted how the late Johanna Ng'eno persistently tried to reach him while seeking Sh30 million to support a major event for artists, saying the legislator called him multiple times until he realised something urgent was wrong.

Speaking during the funeral service of the Emurua Dikir MP Johana Ng’eno in Narok County, the President told mourners that it was unusual for the outspoken MP to repeatedly look for him.

Ruto said Ng’eno attempted to reach him about six times, prompting him to eventually call him back to find out what the problem was.

“It was unusual for Ng’eno to look for me that many times. He looked for me three, four times, and even more, until I knew there was a problem,” the President said.

According to Ruto, when he returned the call, Ng’eno explained that he had organised a major celebration for artists in Eldoret that was expected to attract about 20,000 people.

The President said the MP told him the event had already been planned and was scheduled to take place within two days.

The President recalled that the conversation took place around Thursday, while the event was scheduled for the weekend.

Ng’eno then told him that the event required Sh20 million to be successful and that he expected the President to help secure the funds.

“I asked Ng’eno, ‘You are asking for Sh20 million and giving me only two days’ notice. Where will I get that money from?’” Ruto said.

The late legislator, however, quickly corrected him.

“He told me, ‘It’s not Sh20 million, it’s Sh30 million,’” the President added, drawing laughter from mourners attending the funeral service.

Ruto said he eventually intervened and directed the government, through the Ministry of Sports, to work with Ng’eno to support the artists involved in the event.

“In the end, I had to make several efforts and directed the Ministry of Sports to work with him so that the artists could be supported,” he said.

The President said Ng’eno was passionate about supporting creatives and had volunteered his time and energy to champion the welfare of artists.

According to Ruto, the legislator remained committed to the cause even in the days leading to his death.

“Because he took up that responsibility and volunteered to help the artists, even at the time of his death, he had gone to assist artists in Endebess. Johana Ng’eno deserves recognition,” he said.

Ruto said the government now plans to work with the relevant ministry over the next five years to continue supporting initiatives that promote artists and the creative industry.

The President also praised Ng’eno for his dedication to public service, saying he had made significant contributions to Emurua Dikir Constituency and was known for the sacrifices he made for his people.

He noted that the late MP had stood out as a vocal and committed leader and had worked closely with the national government to support development projects, including the establishment of technical training institutions.

Ruto expressed his condolences to Ng’eno’s family and the people of Narok County, saying the country had lost a bold leader who was deeply committed to serving his constituents.