MOGONDO, Kenya — Grief engulfed Emurua Dikirr on Sunday as thousands of residents streamed to the Mogondo Ward home of the late MP Johana Ngeno, struggling to come to terms with his sudden death in a helicopter crash in Nandi County.
Mourners gathered in large numbers at the homestead, many spending the night there as wailing and prayers filled the compound. The late legislator was among six people who died when a private helicopter crashed on February 28 in the Chepkieb area, Mosop, Nandi County.
Emotions ran high as residents described Ngeno as humble, fearless, and devoted to public service.
“Sisi kama wakazi wa Emurwa Dikiiri ni mshtuko kubwa… hatukulala… tulipiga nduru usiku kutwa,” one resident said, as grief overwhelmed mourners gathered outside the family home.
Close family friend Alfred Ngeno recalled their early years together at Mogondo Primary School. He said the late MP’s leadership qualities were evident from a young age.
“Tulisoma naye… tuliona vile Ngeno alikuwa akiongea… maana tuli amua kumpa uongozi,” he said, adding that Ngeno carried that sense of responsibility into adulthood and public life.
Another resident described him as a bold representative who prioritized the needs of his constituents.
“Ngeno hakuwa na uoga… alifanya kila kitu for the benefit of the people he represented,” he said.
Leaders from across the political divide visited the home to offer condolences. Among them was former Bomet governor Isaac Ruto, who joined residents in mourning the legislator.
Also present was Julius Kones, son of the late former Cabinet minister Kipkalya Kones. He described Ngeno as a committed and people-centred leader.
“He is somebody who loved his people… we are shocked,” Kones said.
The sombre mood persisted throughout the day, with residents forming small groups to reflect on the late MP’s legacy and the future of the constituency. Conversations turned to pending development projects and the constitutional process that will follow his death.
Under Article 101(4) of the Constitution, a by-election must be held within 90 days of a vacancy occurring in the National Assembly. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is expected to issue guidance in due course.
For now, however, the focus in Mogondo remains on mourning a leader many described as accessible and grounded. As dusk fell, prayers continued at the homestead, with residents vowing to stand with the family until his final send-off.
