Senator Richard Onyonka has made a striking claim during a church service in Shamata, Ndaragwa, Nyandarua County, on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

He suggested that Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno died because he refused to sign over land in Kilgoris believed to hold rare minerals. The service drew several opposition figures, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua.

Onyonka spoke amid tributes to Ng’eno, who perished in a helicopter crash the day before.

“I believe, even though I do not have the evidence, Ng’eno has been killed because he refused to sign the land which has got rare minerals kule Kilgoris,” Onyonka said.

He went on to describe the risks some politicians face.

“Umesema, nani said, my fellow colleague from Machakos, Mbui. Some of us tunatarajia tutakufa wakati wowote. I can tell you that. What we are doing si kazi ya rahisi hivyo. But we know kuna nchi ambayo lazima itetewe, na hiyo inchi inaitwa Kenya.”

Ng’eno died on Saturday, February 28, when his helicopter crashed in a forested area at Chepkiep in Mosop Constituency, Nandi County. The Eurocopter AS350 burst into flames on impact, killing all six people on board.

Authorities pointed to bad weather as a possible factor, with mist and rain reducing visibility. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority launched an investigation through its Aircraft Accident Investigation Department.

Police recovered items from the site, including mobile phones, to help identify victims. Parliament confirmed the crash occurred during a flight from Endebess to Mosoriot.

MPs escort Ng’eno’s remains

On Sunday, members of Parliament and Senate staff accompanied the remains of Ng’eno and the five others from Eldoret to Nairobi. They flew to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, then went straight to Lee Funeral Home for preservation as burial plans proceed.

Parliament’s statement read:

“Members of Parliament from both the Senate and the National Assembly, accompanied by parliamentary staff, have departed Eldoret for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport with the remains of the late Hon. Johana Ng’eno, MP, and five others who perished in a chopper crash at Mosop in Nandi County. Upon arrival in Nairobi, the delegation will proceed to Lee Funeral Home, where their remains will be preserved as preparations for burial continue.”

Ng’eno, born December 12, 1972, in Narok County, rose from humble beginnings. He sold charcoal and maize as a child during the 1994 famine after moving to Molo. He attended Mogondo Primary School and Maseno National School, then studied International Law in Ukraine, earned an LLB from Mount Kenya University, and completed a Master’s in International Studies at the University of Nairobi.

In September 2025, he qualified as an Advocate of the High Court. Before entering politics, he worked as a director at the Agricultural Development Corporation from 2008 to 2012. Voters elected him MP for Emurua Dikirr in 2013, 2017, and 2022.

He served on committees including Justice and Legal Affairs, Public Investments, and NG-CDF, and chaired the Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works Committee at his death.