Members of Parliament on Tuesday paid heartfelt tributes to Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno and other victims who lost their lives in a helicopter crash on February 28.
Lawmakers described Ng’eno as a bold and outspoken leader who consistently championed justice and stood firmly for his constituents throughout his three terms in office.
South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro said Ng’eno would be remembered for his courage and unwavering stand on social justice issues.
“A lot will be said about Hon Johana Ng’eno but one thing stands out and that is his courage and his stand for social justice,” Osoro stated.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah echoed the sentiments, describing Ng’eno as a fierce defender of the people of Emurua Dikirr, whom he represented for three consecutive terms.
Calls against politicising the tragedy
While leading the tributes, Ichung’wah strongly criticised attempts to politicise the legislator’s death. He accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of making what he termed careless remarks at a rally in Nyahururu.
“It is unfair for any one of us who purports to be a leader to be using the death of any Kenyan for political gain,” Ichung’wah said.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula also honoured the late MP, describing him as a leader committed to nurturing growth and mentorship.
“He believed and invested in leadership growth,” Wetang’ula said.
The House later observed a moment of silence in honour of Ng’eno and the other victims, as leaders called for unity and restraint during the mourning period.
Tributes to pilot and other victims
MPs also paid tribute to the pilot, Captain Were, remembering him as a skilled and professional aviator.
Buuri MP Rindikiri Mugambi described Captain Were as widely known and respected across the country.
“We have lost other strong people, particularly Captain Were, who was known by everybody in this country,” Mugambi said.
Speaker Wetang’ula revealed that the pilot had flown him shortly before the tragic crash.
“Rubani Were pia mimi amewahi kunibeba kwa muda wa mwezi moja uliopita,” Wetang’ula said.
“In fact Captain Were flew me with Aaron Cheruiyot and Faruk Kibet two weeks ago from Narok to Kakamega and back to Nairobi,” he added.
Molo MP Kuria Kimani extended his condolences to all affected families.
“I eulogise them and say the almighty God stand with the grieving families,” he said.
Also among those who perished were photojournalist Nick Kosgey from Bomet County, high school teacher Carlos Keter from Emurua Dikirr, and Narok County government employee Wycliffe Rono.
Several lawmakers recalled personal interactions with the victims. Osoro noted that MPs regularly worked with photojournalist Nick Kosgey, while Ichung’wah recounted how Carlos Keter had once campaigned for Ng’eno’s political opponent before the two reconciled. He added that Ng’eno had recently helped Keter process his Teachers Service Commission employment.
As Parliament continues to mourn, leaders across the political divide have urged Kenyans to remain united and support the bereaved families during this difficult time.
