Gachagua snubs ex-MP Johanna Ng’eno’s funeral, condemns ‘crocodile tears’
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua yesterday said he would not attend the funeral of the late Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Ng’eno accusing political rivals of hypocrisy and “shedding crocodile tears.”
Ng’eno died in a helicopter crash in Chepkiep, Nandi County, alongside five others on Saturday.
In a tribute released ahead of the burial, Gachagua criticised unnamed figures who he says persecuted Ng’eno during his life but now pretend to mourn him.
“Your tormentors who hunted you like an antelope are now shamelessly shedding crocodile tears,” he said, adding that he could not sit with those “who feign sorrow.”
Ng’eno and five others—including the pilot, retired Colonel George Were, forest ranger Amos Kimwetich Rotich, the MP’s cameraman Nicholas Kosgei, teacher Robert Kipkoech Keter, and Wycliffe Kiprotich Rono, a Narok County protocol officer—died when the Eurocopter AS350, registration 5Y-DSB, crashed shortly after departing Tabolwa airstrip.
A government postmortem confirmed all six died from traumatic injuries and severe burns. Investigations by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department are ongoing, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days.
Gachagua’s remarks focused on Ng’eno’s political life, portraying him as a fearless advocate for the Kipsigis community.
He recalled Ng’eno standing firm despite being denied access to State House Nairobi, facing attempts to block him from becoming chairman of the National Assembly’s Housing Committee, and enduring isolation and humiliation.
Gachagua noted that he intervened on several occasions to shield Ng’eno from further political setbacks.
Ng’eno leaves behind a young family and a legacy as a dedicated political leader.
Gachagua urged the Kipsigis community and supporters in Emurua Dikirr to remain strong despite the loss of what he called a political kingpin.
