NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has paid an emotional tribute to the late Johanna Ng’eno, calling him a courageous leader who tirelessly defended the interests of the Kipsigis community, even as he revealed that he will not attend the burial.
In his tribute ahead of the burial on Friday, Gachagua said he was deeply pained by the death of the former Emurua Dikirr Constituency legislator, whom he described as a close friend, confidant, and political ally.
“Death has robbed the people of Kenya and the gallant Kipsigis community a brave, courageous, focused, brilliant and selfless leader who gave his all for his people,” Gachagua wrote.
The DCP leader said Ng’eno had taught him the importance of defending his community’s interests without fear.
“You taught me to be unashamed of defending the interests of one’s community and people; who doesn’t have an origin?” he said.
Ng’eno, according to Gachagua, remained steadfast in championing the rights of the Kipsigis community, which he said had faced decades of marginalization despite its contribution to Kenya’s agricultural productivity.
Gachagua claimed the community, located largely in parts of the South Rift, had suffered neglect in infrastructure development, citing poor road networks, limited electricity coverage and inadequate water supply despite the region’s fertile land and reliable rainfall.
He also alleged that Ng’eno faced political isolation and humiliation for standing firm on issues affecting his community.
“Many times I had to intervene to save you from further humiliation as you were physically denied access to State House by power brokers, strongmen, mafia and pretenders to the throne,” Gachagua stated.
He said he stood by Ng’eno when attempts were allegedly made to block him from becoming chairperson of the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Housing.
In a sharp rebuke to unnamed political figures, Gachagua accused some leaders of hypocrisy, alleging that individuals who had opposed the late politician in life were now publicly mourning him.
“I have seen your tormentors who hunted you like an antelope shedding crocodile tears and shamelessly pretending to mourn your death,” he said.
The former deputy president said he would not attend the burial because he could not sit alongside individuals he accused of persecuting the late legislator.
“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,” he said.
Gachagua conveyed condolences to Ng’eno’s family and the residents of Emurua Dikirr, urging them to remain strong as they cope with the loss.
“To the orphaned Kipsigis community, for the loss of your kingpin, may the Lord have mercy on you and give you another brave leader to champion your interests,” he said.
Ng’eno’s death has sparked political reactions across the country, with leaders from different parties remembering him as an outspoken legislator known for his firm positions on governance and regional representation.
He is expected to be laid to rest in his rural home, with mourners drawn from political, community, and religious circles expected to attend the burial.
