Narok Governor mourns MP Ng’eno, calls for plane crash probe

Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu has spoken about his close family and political ties with the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johanna Ng’eno while calling for a full investigation into the helicopter crash that claimed his life and that of five others. Addressing mourners during the burial ceremony held in Narok County on Friday, the governor reflected on their long relationship, the development plans they had discussed for the constituency, and the personal loss his family has suffered.

Ntutu began his tribute by explaining that his connection with the late lawmaker was both political and personal.

“I have lost my son-in-law, I first met him in 2011,” he said.

The governor told mourners that during their early interactions, Ng’eno had once shared his intentions about marriage and family.

“When he spoke about getting married, he told me he would marry from my community. He told me he would marry the granddaughter of Paramount Chief Ole Ntutu,” he said.

According to the governor, the relationship later grew into a family union that produced two children.

“They have two beautiful daughters,” he said.

While speaking to the large gathering at the funeral ceremony, Ntutu shared memories of moments they experienced together over the years.

“I remember one day we were arrested in Narok and spent the night in a police cell.” he said, recalling a time they spent a night in a police cell in Narok.

The governor also described what turned out to be his final conversation with the late MP. He said Ng’eno had contacted him to discuss helping students from the constituency access financial support for their studies.

“Ng’eno called me and asked that we meet so we could give bursaries to students, little did I know that it would be the last time I was speaking to him,” he said.

Ng’eno had represented Emurua Dikirr Constituency since 2013 and was serving his third term in Parliament when he died.

Ntutu told mourners that the development agenda they had discussed for the constituency should continue despite the loss of the legislator.

“I will oversee Ng’eno’s work until you get another Member of Parliament,” he said.

The governor outlined a number of projects that had already been planned through cooperation between the county government and the constituency leadership.

“As a county government together with Emurua Dikirr Constituency, we allocated land in Dikirr for 200 units of affordable housing units,” he said.

He also said the county had provided land for training facilities linked to the health sector.

“We also allocated land to build 180 KMTC hostels,” he said.

According to Ntutu, the late MP had also started plans to strengthen technical training opportunities in the area.

“Ng’eno also initiated TTI hostels,” he said.

Road development was another project the two leaders had discussed before the MP’s death.

“We agreed with Ng’eno that the Chebole–Dikirr road should be tarmacked,” he said.

The governor used the moment to call on national leaders to ensure the project begins soon.

“Mr President, we request that when June comes, that road should start being constructed,” he said.

Ntutu also revealed plans to expand higher education opportunities for students in the constituency through the establishment of a university campus.

“A Maasai Mara University branch in Emurua Dikirr should also be built,” he said.

He added that land for the project had already been identified.

“We looked for land to start the building project of a Maasai Mara University branch,” he said.

The death of Ng’eno has led to widespread mourning across Narok County and among leaders from different parts of the country. Many have described him as a strong voice in development matters and an advocate for education opportunities for young people.

During his address, the governor also demanded a full investigation into the helicopter crash that killed the MP and five others.

“The accident should be investigated, why did Ng’eno die in a plane crash,” he said.

Authorities in Kenya have already launched investigations to determine the cause of the crash that occurred in Nandi County.

For many mourners gathered at the burial ceremony, Ntutu’s tribute reflected both the personal pain of losing a family member and the broader loss of a leader whose plans and projects had shaped the future direction of Emurua Dikirr.