NAIROBI, Kenya — Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu on Wednesday recounted the final conversation he had with his son-in-law, the late Johana Ng’eno, describing the helicopter crash that claimed his life as the saddest day of his life.
Speaking during an emotional memorial service held at AGC Karen in Nairobi, Ntutu said he had lost both a close family member and a key political ally.
“This is the saddest day of my life. I lost my son-in-law, who is the husband to my daughter, Johana,” he said while conveying condolences on behalf of the people of Narok.
The governor also mourned his personal officer, Rono, who died in the crash alongside the pilot and other 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.
Ntutu described Ng’eno as one of his political pillars and a frequent visitor to Narok, maintaining close ties with leaders across the region.
“In 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.
He recalled receiving a call from the legislator on the morning of the crash. Ng’eno told him he planned to travel to Nandi before issuing bursary cheques to needy students in Kapsasain Ward and invited him to join.
Ntutu said he informed the MP that he was in Maji Moto, Narosura, but Ng’eno laughed off the distance and offered to pick him up in his helicopter.
“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,” he said.
The memorial service brought together leaders from across the political divide, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula. Ntutu thanked the Speaker for swiftly forming a committee to coordinate support and movement from Uasin Gishu to Nairobi after the crash.
“I want to thank the Honourable Speaker because when he heard, he formed a committee which really helped from Uasin Gishu to Nairobi,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to leaders and residents of Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties for standing with the bereaved families.
“To the people of Kenya, we have lost a man who has done so much for his people. Death is very cruel,” Ntutu said.
Ng’eno was remembered as a leader passionate about education and youth empowerment. The planned bursary event on the day of the crash was cited as a reflection of his commitment to supporting needy students.
Investigations into the cause of the helicopter crash are ongoing.
