As the country is still grappling with the loss of Emurua Dikirr legislator Johanna Ng’eno, the former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party leader, Rigathi Gachagua, has written an emotional tribute in remembrance of the courage, dedication and commitment of the member of parliament, confirming his absence in his send-off.

Taking it to his social media handles on Friday, March 6, 2026, Gachagua, in an emotional statement, referred to Ng’eno as a courageous, brave, focused, brilliant, and selfless leader who sacrificed his life for his people.

Confirming his absence at the funeral of the late MP that is set to take place in Emurua Dikirr, Gachagua penned down that his principles would not allow him to sit with those who tormented the late MP as much as he would have wanted to give him a sendoff.

“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,” Gachagua said.

Gachagua hails Ng’eno as a confidant

Gachagua looked back at the friendship that they had had and that Ng’eno was a confidant and political soul mate whose principles and devotion inspired others around him.

The former Deputy President pointed out that Ng’eno has been fighting at the crossroads over his lifetime in the interests of the marginalised Kipsigis people, and he has been struggling to serve the interests of the people despite decades of being neglected and marginalised by the system.

Gachagua also narrated the difficulties Ng’eno experienced in his politics, such as being refused entry into State House by influential people and being isolated as a result of taking a stand against his people.

The DCP party leader further urged God to offer consolation and strength as they digest the death as the people strive to have strong leadership in the spirit of the late Ng’eno.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua demanded a thorough investigation into the helicopter crash that killed Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Ng’eno and 5 others on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Speaking 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.

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,” Gachagua said.