Ex-Deputy President Gachagua to Skip Emurua Dikirr MP Johanna Ngeno's Burial funeral

Former Deputy President (DP) and Democracy for Citizens Party ( DCP) Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua has announced that he will not attend the funeral of the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johanna Ngeno. “It is painful to pen this tribute to a great leader of our time, my great friend, confidant and political soul mate, Hon. Ngeno," Gachagua said on X. He described Ngeno as “a brave, courageous, focused, brilliant and selfless leader who gave all for his people.” “I would have wanted to come and bury you, but my principles cannot allow me to join those who tormented and persecuted you in life as they pretend to love you in death," he stated. "Ngong, the man, you taught me to be unashamed of defending the interests of one’s community and people; who doesn't have an origin? You were unbowed and resolute in championing the interests of the Kipsigis community, a hardworking community that has been marginalised and demeaned for decades.” Gachagua also highlighted challenges faced by Ngeno. “Many times, I had to intervene to save you from further humiliation. I am a proud friend as I stood firm with you when they wanted to stop you from being Chairman of the Departmental Committee of Housing. I am abhorred by the hypocrisy of your tormentors," he said. He extended condolences to Ngeno’s family and community. "I feel for your young family and the Kipsigis community and the people of Emurua Dikirr constituency. May Almighty God give your young family comfort and fortitude as they come to terms with the reality of your untimely departure. To the orphaned Kipsigis community, for the loss of your kingpin, may the Lord have mercy on you and give you another brave leader to champion your interests the way my departed friend, the Hon. Johana Ngeno, did. Rest in peace, my friend, the hero of our time, until we meet again. Rest well, Johana Ngeno.” Ngeno was among six people who died after a helicopter crashed in Chepkiep, Mosop Constituency, Nandi County. The lawmaker and his aides were on board the aircraft at the time of the crash. The helicopter is reported to have attempted an emergency landing before bursting into flames. Emergency response teams remain at the scene as investigations begin. Ng’eno, born in 1972, was serving his third consecutive term in Parliament, having first been elected in 2013. He served as Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works and was also a member of the Liaison Committee. In the 12th Parliament, he sat on the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee. Under his leadership, the Housing Committee played a key role in the passage of the Affordable Housing Act, 2024, providing a framework for access to decent and affordable housing in Kenya. Educated at Mogondo Primary School and Maseno National School, Ng’eno pursued higher studies both abroad and in Kenya. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Law from Kyiv TSN University, a Master of Arts in International Studies from the University of Nairobi, a Bachelor of Laws degree from Mount Kenya University, and a Post Graduate Diploma from the Kenya School of Law. He was admitted to the bar as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya in September 2025.