Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu recounted the final conversation he had with his son-in-law, the late Johana Ng’eno, describing it as the saddest day of his life during a memorial service held at AGC Karen on Wednesday.
A Personal Loss
Governor Ntutu expressed profound grief over the loss of Ng’eno, emphasizing that he had lost both a close family member and a political ally.
“This is the saddest day of my life. I lost my son-in-law, who is the husband to my daughter, Johana,” Ntutu said, conveying condolences on behalf of the people of Narok.
The governor also mourned the death of his personal officer, Rono, who was among the six victims killed in the helicopter crash, alongside the pilot and other young men from Narok County.
“All these young men lying here are from my county, even the pilot,” he said.
Recalling the Last Conversation
Ntutu recalled receiving a call from Ng’eno on the morning of the crash, during which the MP shared his plans to travel to Nandi County to distribute bursary cheques to needy students in Kapsasain Ward and invited the governor to join him.
“As normal, Mheshimiwa Ng’eno laughed and told me, ‘Governor, I have a chopper, I can pick you and then you can join me later.’ Little did I know that was the last day I was going to talk to my friend and son-in-law,” Ntutu said.
Ng’eno was remembered as a leader dedicated to education and youth empowerment, with the planned bursary event highlighting his commitment to supporting students in need.
Community and Leadership Support
The memorial service drew leaders from across the political spectrum, including Moses Wetang’ula, who helped coordinate support and movement from Uasin Gishu to Nairobi following the crash.
Governor Ntutu expressed gratitude to leaders and residents of Nandi County and Uasin Gishu County for standing with the bereaved families.
“To the people of Kenya, we have lost a man who has done so much for his people. Death is very cruel,” he said.
Investigations into the cause of the helicopter crash are ongoing.
