Minutes before his life was tragically cut short, Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno was laughing, dancing and inspiring musicians in Endebess, Trans Nzoia County.
Known for championing Kalenjin artists and local talent, the outspoken legislator spent his final hours in high spirits, celebrating local talent, encouraging musicians and giving generouslyunaware that his helicopter journey home would end in disaster.
Mr Ng’eno spent nearly two hours at a traditional gospel music event hosted by Hillary Juma Chemos at the Endebess Trading Centre grounds, marking 35 years of the musician’s career.
The occasion was a vibrant display of colour, sound and community pride and the MP, who arrived in high spirits, was fully engaged, sharing his infectious energy with attendees. Those present recalled his lively interactions at what would become his final celebration.
Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng'eno returns to his home at Mogondo village upn being released from the Nakuru Police Station cells on September 11, 2020.
Photo credit: Vitalis Kimutai | Nation Media Group
Amid the heavy rains during the event, Mr Ng’eno announced plans for several upcoming musical and cultural programs, signalling his ongoing commitment to nurturing local talent.
According to locals, the helicopter carrying Ng’eno and his aides first landed at Endebess Comprehensive School shortly after 1 pm on Saturday. It left briefly for an undisclosed destination, returning about an hour later, during which time the MP had already arrived at the event grounds at Endebess trading centre.
Attendees described the MP’s arrival as joyful and full of energy. He danced with performers, mingled freely with the crowd and even stopped police from pushing enthusiastic fans. His presence was described as that of “a leader home away from home.”
During the event, the Emurua Dikirr MP delivered a heartfelt speech in the local Sabaot dialect, emphasising the need for community empowerment, particularly for Kalenjin musicians and creatives. He spoke passionately about supporting artists, sharing lessons from his own life about perseverance, hard work and dedication.
“He was telling us how he had come from far and why commitment and hard work were crucial in life. He had a deep sense of our welfare and was passionate about supporting us. He told us he was being opposed because of his commitment to helping artists,” said Mr Chemos, describing the MP’s encouragement as both touching and practical.
The musician recalled that the MP had advised artists on financial discipline, personal growth and ways to expand opportunities for local creatives. He also mentioned the importance of commitment, perseverance and community support, words and actions that inspired musicians to dream bigger, build networks and aim for sustainable growth.
As the event progressed, Endebess MP Dr Robert Pukos, who had arrived from a Kenya Kwanza grassroots forum in Saboti constituency, joined Mr Ng’eno. Dr Pukose arrived just as Ng’eno began a fundraising drive for Chemos, contributing Sh 300,000 personally before leaving for another engagement in his constituency, leaving Dr Pukose to continue with the program.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargey (left), Tinderet MP Julius Melly (black cap), and other members of the public, at a scene where a chopper crashed at Chepkiep Village in Mosop Sub-County of Nandi County on February 28, 2026, where six occupants died on the spot.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation
Minutes after departing the event, news of the helicopter crash in Nandi County en route to Narok spread like wildfire, leaving attendees in shock and musicians traumatised.
At his home in Labot village, Endebess Ward, Mr Chemos was emotional and visibly devastated, struggling to process the loss as relatives, neighbours and friends arrived to console him.
“It was very shocking. I did not imagine such a thing. I have received so many calls to console me. I am still not myself,” Mr Chemos said, recalling the moment he learned of the crash.
The musician also noted that during his speech, the MP had revealed that his efforts to support creatives had caught the attention of President William Ruto, who had begun providing resources to expand the initiative. Mr Ng’eno had envisioned a future where local artists could thrive across the Rift Valley and neighbouring regions.
“He said the President was very happy with his initiative and had started giving him support to reach out to more in the community,” he said.
Mr Chemos, 55, recalled how the MP had discovered his song Kimkim on YouTube and instructed his personal assistant to contact him. The traditional prayer song dedicated to President Ruto and former journalist Joshua Arap Sang during their case at The Hague was composed in 2012 but recorded in 2025 due to financial constraints.
“I have come a long way in music and just as my star was rising, Ng’eno had promised to even take me to State House to see President William Ruto. I am devastated and in much pain,” he said, tears rolling down his face.
Flanked by his wife and children, he reflected on the MP’s promises to support not only his career but the broader community of local musicians.
“Apart from coming for my anniversary, he had promised to help my music career reach new heights and to mobilise funds to support other local artists,” he said.
The body of Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng'eno is loaded onto a plane at Eldoret International Airport in Uasin Gishu County, and taken to Nairobi on March 01, 2026, after the legislator and five other people died in a chopper crash at Chepkiep Village in Mosop Sub-County of Nandi County on Saturday. Four bodies were also flown to Nairobi while that of the pilot was taken to western region.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation
The musician promised to pay his last respects to the MP in Narok County and urged Kalenjin leaders to emulate the late MP’s commitment to the poor and local talent.
“He had a vision not just for me but for the entire creative community here. Losing him is a deep blow but I hope leaders can continue his work and focus on helping the people,” he said.
Local leaders also expressed shock and grief, led by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who described Mr Ng’eno as an outspoken legislator who served his constituency with dedication for three terms while championing development and cultural heritage.
“His legacy of courage and service will endure,” Mr Natembeya posted on Facebook.
Dr Pukose, who was with Mr Ng’eno at the event, expressed his devastation.
“I convey heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and constituents on behalf of Trans Nzoia County, my family, and myself. He was a great mobilser, a champion for unity and justice and promoted local talent across the Rift Valley. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the victims of this tragic accident,” he wrote on social media.
