Naiyanoi Ntutu Pays Tribute to Late MP Johana Ng’eno
By Chemtai Kirui | Nairobi | March 4, 2026
NAIROBI, March 4, 2026 — Naiyanoi Ntutu, the widow of Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno, delivered an emotional tribute on Wednesday, describing the late legislator as her “first love” and a devoted father to their two daughters.
Speaking during a requiem service at Africa Gospel Church in Karen, Nairobi, Naiyanoi reflected on their early years together and the life they built before Ng’eno entered national politics.
“To my beloved Joha, the husband of my youth, even saying your name carries a lifetime inside it,” she told mourners. “You were the love of my early days, when everything was still soft and full of possibility.”
Ng’eno was among six people who died in a helicopter crash in Chepkiep, Nandi County, on February 28. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.
Naiyanoi described her husband as a steady presence in her life during their early adulthood.
“We were young, learning life together, and somehow you made it all feel less frightening and more beautiful,” she said, recalling his laughter and warmth.
She also spoke of his role as a father to their daughters, Taparon and Chesang, saying that while the public knew him as a vocal and often outspoken politician, at home he was a gentle and attentive parent.
“In their eyes, you are a hero. In mine, you were a gentle, devoted father with the biggest heart,” she said.
Reflecting on the sudden loss, she likened it to “losing the music of my youth” and the belief that they had endless time together.
“But even death cannot take what we built,” she said. “It cannot erase the love, the memories, the family we created. You will always be my Joha. Rest gently, my love.”
While much attention has focused on the legislator’s death, the service also honoured the five others who died in the crash.
They included Col. (Rtd) George Were, a pilot with 30 years of military service; Wycliffe Kiprotich Rono, a protocol officer with the Narok County government; Amos Kipngetich Rotich, a Kenya Forest Service ranger; Nick Kosgei, the MP’s personal photographer; and Robert Kipkoech Keter, a teacher.
“We are not just mourning a Member of Parliament; we are mourning six families whose foundations have been shaken,” one of the presiding clergy said.
The service was attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who represented the presidency.
Also present were National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga.
According to the funeral committee, Ng’eno will be buried on Friday at his home in Emurua Dikirr, Narok County.
