Gachagua Eplains Why He Will Skip Johana Ng'eno's Burial

Former Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua has explained why he will skip the funeral of the late Johanna Ng’eno, the Member of Parliament for Emurua Dikirr, which is scheduled to be held on Friday, March 6, 2026.

In a statement dated Friday, March 6, 2026, Gachagua said his principles could not allow him to attend the ceremony alongside individuals he accused of mistreating the late MP while he was alive.

“I would have wanted to come and bury you, but my principles can’t allow me to sit with those who tormented and persecuted you in life as they pretend to love you in death,” the statement read.

Gachagua Pays Tribute to Johana Ng’eno Ahead of His Burial

Gachagua argued that he had seen certain politicians who frustrated the Emurua Dikirr MP while he was alive now shedding crocodile tears and shamelessly pretending to mourn his death.

He added that on several occasions he had intervened to save Ng’eno from further humiliation, claiming that the legislator was at times physically denied access to State House by what he described as power brokers, strongmen, mafia, and pretenders to the throne.

Also Read: Autopsy Reveals Cause of Death of MP Johana Ng’eno and Other Nandi Chopper Crash Victims

Gachagua further stated that he stood by Ng’eno’s side when there were attempts to block him from becoming chairperson of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Housing, saying he remained proud to have supported him during that period.

At the same time, the former Deputy President paid tribute to the late MP.

“It is painful to pen this tribute to a great leader of our time, my dear friend, confidant, and political soul mate, Hon. Ng’eno,” Gachagua said.

He described Ng’eno as a brave, courageous, focused, brilliant, and selfless leader who gave his all for his people, adding that his death is a great loss to both Kenya and the gallant Kipsigis community.

Autopsy Reveals Cause of Death of the Legislator and Five Others

Gachagua noted that the late legislator taught him the importance of defending the interests of one’s community without shame.

“You were unbowed and resolute in championing the rights of the Kipsigis, a hardworking community that has long been marginalized and demeaned,” he said.

Also Read: Governor Ntutu Recounts Final Call With Son-in-Law Ng’eno at Emotional Memorial

Johana Ng’eno and the other five victims perished in a helicopter crash in Nandi County on Saturday, February 28.

According to Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor, who spoke to the media after conducting the postmortem on Monday, March 2, all six victims died from multiple injuries, mainly affecting the chest, head, and spine.

Other victims of the Mosop crash in Nandi County were Amos Kimwetich Rotich, Robert Kipkoech Keter, Nicholas Kosgei, and Wycliffe Kiprotich Rono, as well as the pilot, retired Colonel George Were.

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