NIS bugging claims sparks storm after MP Ng’eno’s death

Former Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that President William Ruto deployed the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to secretly record a private meeting he held with the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno during the politically turbulent period leading to his impeachment.

Speaking yesterday at a church service at AIPCA Nyandarua North Diocese in Nyandarua County, Gachagua called for an independent and transparent investigation into the helicopter crash that killed Ng’eno and five others in Nandi County.

He was accompanied by opposition leaders including Kalonzo Musyoka, Justin Muturi, Fred Matiang’i and Eugene Wamalwa.

Gachagua described Ng’eno as “a great friend, political ally and confidant” who had stood by him for years.

He claimed that shortly before he left office, Ng’eno contacted him while he was in Kisumu, expressing fears.

According to Gachagua, when Ng’eno travelled to Kisumu to meet him, the President allegedly dispatched NIS officers to bug his hotel room and record their conversation.

“And we had a big discussion, and he told me what he was going through and the way he was being persecuted for fighting for the rights of the Kipsigis people,” Gachagua said.

He alleged that Ng’eno confided that a plan had been hatched to remove him from office because of his advocacy for his community’s interests.

Gachagua further claimed that once the recording was delivered to the President, Ng’eno was summoned and “thoroughly intimidated.”

He said the MP later appeared distressed and fearful.

During the impeachment process, Gachagua alleged, Ng’eno showed him threatening messages purportedly sent him warning of consequences if he failed to support the impeachment motion.

“He came at 2am crying and showed me the messages,” Gachagua said, adding that he advised the MP to sign the motion to protect himself and his family, telling him “the die was cast.”

He also alleged that Nyali MP Mohamed Ali faced similar pressure, and claimed Ng’eno signed the impeachment motion “with a lot of tears.”

Gachagua further accused senior leaders, including Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, of exerting political pressure on Ng’eno over what he termed efforts to suppress his leadership ambitions within the Kipsigis community.

Ng’eno was among six people killed on Saturday when a Eurocopter AS350 aircraft, registration 5Y-DSB, crashed in Kabiyet Sub-location, Mosop area of Nandi Hills. The helicopter had departed Endebes en route to Mosoriot.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department had launched a probe to determine the cause of the crash.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula formally notified Parliament of Ng’eno’s death, describing it as a profound loss.

First elected in 2013, Ng’eno was serving his third term and chaired the Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works.

Drawing parallels with the 2008 helicopter crash that killed former minister Kipkalya Kones, Gachagua insisted that Interior CS Murkomen should step aside to ensure impartial investigations.

“We ask President William Ruto to allow a thorough and transparent inquiry,” he said, as the country awaits findings into a tragedy that has reignited political tensions at the highest levels of government.