Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has demanded a thorough investigation into the helicopter crash that killed Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Ng’eno on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

He spoke minutes after news of the tragedy broke, while addressing a gathering in Nyahururu. Gachagua highlighted Ng’eno’s role as a key leader in the Kipsigis community.

“Tumepata habari ya kwamba mjumbe wa Emurua Dikirr, pale Kipsigis, Johana Ngeno, ameaga dunia, kwa ajali ya helicopter,” he said.

“Sisi tunataka kujua uchunguzi kamili, kwa sababu tunajua huyu kiongozi, amekuwa na pingamizi kali, pale kwa Kipsigis kwa sababu amekuwa Kingpin ya Wakipsigis. We want to call for a very thorough investigation into the helicopter crash that has killed the honourable Johana Ngeno.”

He urged the crowd to observe a minute of silence.

“Tunataka one minute of silence in honour of the honourable Johana Ngeno. Mjumbe wa pale Emurua Dikirr,” Gachagua added.

Calls for investigations

Later, Gachagua took to X to mourn his long-time ally and renew his call for investigations.

“I am very saddened by the news of the tragic death of Hon Johanna Ngeno, the MP for Emurua Dikirr, in a helicopter crash,” he posted.

He described Ng’eno as a close friend despite past political turbulence.

“Hon Ng’eno was my very great friend who faced threats and intimidation as he was forced to hound me out of office. We remained the best of friends up to his death.”

Gachagua said Ng’eno had a promising future as a leader of the Kipsigis community and insisted that the cause of the crash must be made public.

“I call for thorough and speedy investigations into the cause of the crash that must be made public.”

Other leaders mourn.

Several Members of Parliament also expressed shock and grief on X and Facebook.

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro termed the incident traumatic.

“It is very traumatic to learn about the tragic accident that happened today where six Kenyans lost their lives,” Nyoro posted.

He described Ng’eno as firm, courageous and dedicated, sending condolences to the families of all six victims.

Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo Mabona wrote:

“How sad. Deeply saddened my brother and friend Hon Johana Ng’eno. Rest in eternal peace.”

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya praised Ng’eno as a servant leader.

“RIP Hon. Ngeno, MP Emurua Dikirr. You went out to stand with flood victims — a true servant leader till the very end. It is well in the Lord.”

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino also mourned Ng’eno, describing his death as a profound loss to the country.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our colleague, Honourable Johanna Ngeno and other Kenyans following the devastating helicopter crash. This is not only a profound loss to their families and loved ones, but also to Parliament and to the nation they served with dedication and integrity,” Owino wrote.

The crash occurred in the Chepkiep area of Mosop Sub-County, Nandi County. The Airbus H125 helicopter, registered as 5Y-DSB, burst into flames after hitting the ground in a forested zone.

All six people on board died. Videos from the site showed thick smoke and charred wreckage amid bushes. Local residents rushed to help, but found no survivors. Nandi County Police Commander Samuel Mukuusi confirmed the deaths.

Ng’eno had attended an event in Endebess earlier that day before boarding the flight.

A journey of resilience

Ng’eno, born in 1972, rose from poverty in the Rift Valley. His father rustled cattle, and the 1994 famine pushed the family to Molo. As a child, Ng’eno walked up to 50 kilometres daily with 16 donkeys, carrying charcoal and maize for sale.

“I stayed in the area for many years, where I built a stock of 16 donkeys which I used to ferry items ranging from maize, charcoal and many others to various parts of Nakuru, Bomet and Kericho,” Ng’eno once recalled.

He attended Mogondo Primary School and Maseno School for his KCSE. Later, he earned a BA in International Law from Kyiv TSN University in Ukraine, an LLB from Mt Kenya University, and a Master’s in International Studies from the University of Nairobi.

Ng’eno entered politics in 2007, contesting the Kilgoris seat. He claimed rigging sparked protests. In 2013, he won the new Emurua Dikirr seat and retained it in 2017 and 2022. Supporters admired his bold approach.

In Parliament, he chaired the Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works Committee. On the ground, Ng’eno funded road projects, distributed millions in bursaries, and supplied school buses to improve education. The community named him a Kipsigis elder and spokesperson.

In 2025, amid insecurity in Angata Barikoi, he demanded justice after civilian deaths and confronted security forces. His death shocked the Kalenjin community and the nation.