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

Leaders from across the country gathered at AGC Karen on Wednesday, March 4, as Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu struggled to contain emotion while recounting his last exchange with his son-in-law, the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno.

The memorial service turned sombre as the governor described the day he received news of the fatal helicopter crash as the lowest point of his life.

Addressing mourners, Ntutu said the loss had struck him at both personal and political levels, describing Ng’eno as family and a steadfast ally.

“This is the saddest day of my life. I lost my son-in-law, who is the husband of my daughter, Johana,” he said, adding that he was speaking not only as a grieving father but also on behalf of Narok residents.

The governor’s tribute extended beyond his relative, as he revealed that his personal officer, Rono, was also among those killed in the crash, alongside the pilot and several young men from Narok County.

“I’ve also lost my employee Rono, who was my personal officer. All these young men lying here are from my county, even the pilot,” he said.

Final Phone Call Before Tragedy

Ntutu narrated that on the morning of the crash, Ng’eno had called him with plans to travel to Nandi County before presiding over a bursary issuance ceremony in Kapsasain Ward.

According to the governor, the MP had invited him to join the programme.

He said he informed Ng’eno that he was in Maji Moto, Narosura, some distance away.

The legislator, he recalled, responded lightheartedly.

Also Read: Profit of Nick Kosgei, Journalist Who Died With MP Johana Ng’eno

“As normal, mheshimiwa Ng’eno laughed and told me, ‘Governor, I have a chopper, I can pick you, and then you can join me later.’ Little did I know that was the last day I was going to talk to my friend and son-in-law,” Ntutu said.

The governor described Ng’eno as a frequent visitor to Narok and one of his most reliable political pillars.

“On several occasions, he’s been in my county, so I knew him well. When I heard the news of a chopper crash, I had to travel immediately. It was one of my lowest moments in life because the owner, Ng’eno, was one of my political pillars,” he said.

Leaders Rally Around Bereaved Families

The service drew senior leaders, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, whom Ntutu commended for mobilising support in the immediate aftermath of the accident.

Also Read: She Ran Toward the Flames: Nursing Student Hailed Hero After Helicopter Carrying MP Crashed

“I want to thank the Honourable Speaker because when he heard, he formed a committee which really helped from Uasin Gishu to Nairobi. And even Honourable Nelly, we were together with them from the word go,” he said.

Ntutu also expressed gratitude to leaders and residents of Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties for standing in solidarity with the affected families during the difficult period.

“To the people of Kenya, we have lost a man who has done so much for his people. Death is very cruel,” he said.

Ng’eno was remembered as an advocate for education and youth empowerment, with the planned bursary event cited as evidence of his dedication to supporting underprivileged students.

There are investigations into the cause of the crash, with people mourning the loss of life.

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A helicopter crashed and burst into flames in Chepkiep, Mosop Sub-county, Nandi County, on Saturday, February 28, 2026. PHOTO/UGC.