Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced that he will not attend the burial of the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno.
In a statement issued on Friday, March 6, Gachagua explained that, while he would have wished to pay his respects, his principles prevent him from sitting alongside leaders who, he said, had mistreated the late MP during his life.
He also eulogized Ng’eno as a respected leader, trusted friend, and political ally, highlighting his contributions and legacy.
Former DP Rigathi Gachagua to Skip Burial of Johanna Ng’eno. Photo: Courtesy.
“I have seen your tormentors who hunted you like an antelope shedding crocodile tears and shamelessly pretending to mourn your death. 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,” Gachagua noted.
Gachagua further praised the late MP Johana Ng’eno as a brave, courageous, focused, brilliant, and selfless leader who devoted himself to serving his people.
He noted Ng’eno’s steadfast commitment to advocating for the interests of the Kipsigis community, a hardworking group that has faced marginalization over the years.
The former deputy president also extended his condolences to Ng’eno’s family, the residents of Emurua Dikirr, and the broader Kipsigis community, wishing them strength and comfort as they mourn his untimely passing.
Johana Ng’eno died on Saturday, February 28, along with five others, when the helicopter they were traveling in crashed in Nandi P.M.
According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, the helicopter was en route from Endebes to Mosoriot when the crash occurred.
Ng’eno was serving his third term as Emurua Dikirr MP.
