Rigathi Gachagua Skips Johana Ng’eno Burial, Cites “Principles” in Emotional Tribute
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua skips Johana Ng’eno burial, saying his personal principles could not allow him to share space with leaders he believes mistreated the late Emurua Dikirr MP while he was still alive.
In a strongly worded tribute released ahead of the burial ceremony, Gachagua described the fallen legislator as a close political ally and a fearless leader who consistently defended his community despite facing hostility from powerful political figures.
The late MP is being laid to rest in Emurua Dikirr, Narok County, following his tragic death in a helicopter crash that killed six people.
Gachagua Explains Why He Stayed Away
Gachagua made it clear that his absence from the funeral was intentional.
In his message, he accused some leaders attending the ceremony of hypocrisy, claiming they mistreated the lawmaker during his lifetime but were now pretending to mourn him.
“I am abhorred by the hypocrisy of your tormentors. I have seen your tormentors who hunted you like an antelope shedding crocodile tears and shamelessly pretending to mourn your death,” Gachagua said.
The former deputy president added that although he wished to attend the burial, he felt morally unable to sit alongside leaders he believes persecuted Ng’eno.
“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.”
A Tribute to a Fearless Politician
In the lengthy tribute, Gachagua described Ng’eno as a courageous and outspoken politician who stood firm in defending the interests of his community.
He noted that the MP often faced political isolation because of his willingness to openly criticize what he believed was systemic marginalisation.
Gachagua added that the lawmaker’s death was a major loss to the country.
He wrote that “death has robbed Kenya…of a fearless and outspoken leader.”
Supporters and colleagues have similarly remembered Ng’eno as a bold legislator who rarely shied away from controversial debates in Parliament.
Senior Leaders Attend the Burial
Despite Gachagua’s absence, the funeral attracted several high-profile leaders from across the country.
Among those present were President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
Other leaders in attendance included Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya and Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu, who is also Ng’eno’s father-in-law.
The ceremony brought together national and county leaders, family members, and thousands of mourners who gathered to pay their final respects.
Tragic Helicopter Crash That Killed Ng’eno
Johana Ng’eno died on February 28 after a private helicopter crashed in Chepkieb area of Mosop, Nandi County, at around 4:45 PM.
All six people aboard the aircraft lost their lives in the crash.
The victims were identified as:
- Kenya Forest Service ranger Amos Kipngetich Rotich
- Photographer Nick Kosgei
- Teacher Robert Kipkoech Keter
- Narok County protocol officer Wycliffe Kiprotich Rono
- Pilot Captain George Were
The helicopter carried registration number 5Y-DSB.
Preliminary Investigation Findings
A preliminary report released by the National Police Service and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo revealed early findings about the accident.
According to investigators, the helicopter was flying at a very low altitude shortly before the crash.
Authorities say the aircraft struck trees before going down.
Investigations are ongoing as aviation experts work to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Gachagua’s Explosive Claims About Ng’eno’s Final Days
Just days after the tragedy, Gachagua made startling claims about the late MP’s final months in politics.
Speaking during a church service at AIPCA Nyandarua North Diocese on March 1, the former deputy president alleged that Ng’eno had been placed under immense political pressure.
Gachagua claimed the MP visited him late at night carrying messages from a senior government official.
According to the former DP, the lawmaker arrived distressed and seeking guidance.
He revealed that Ng’eno came to him at around 2 a.m., in tears, claiming he had been threatened with serious consequences if he refused to support a controversial impeachment motion last year.
Gachagua said he ultimately advised the MP to sign the motion to protect himself and his family.
He explained that he believed resisting would have placed Ng’eno in even greater danger because the numbers to pass the motion were already secured.
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Rigathi Gachagua Skips Johana Ng’eno Burial, Cites “Principles” in Emotional Tribute