North Rift artistes and youths turned the streets of Eldoret into a sea of candlelight, song, and poetry on Wednesday night as they held a solemn vigil in honour of Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno, firmly barring local politicians from addressing the gathering to keep the tribute free from politics.
As darkness fell, hundreds of artistes thronged the streets of Eldoret, marching from Zion Mall through Uganda Road towards the historic Members Hotel along the Eldoret–Kapsabet road while singing songs in tribute to the late legislator.
The usual evening bustle of Eldoret’s streets gave way to a haunting rhythmic pulse as hundreds of artistes, poets, and cultural performers from across the North Rift converged in the city, transforming it into a dramatic blend of light, shadow, and music.
For more than four hours, the vigil breathed unusual life into the night in the City of Champions, as candle spikes, guitars, and melodies filled the air. The procession moved with the slow, deliberate grace of a funeral dirge. Mourners were holding candles that formed a ribbon of light.
The scent of melting wax and the crackle of a massive ceremonial flames filled the air, its sparks rising into the night sky like ascending spirits in a fire of remembrance.
Local artistes draped in traditional regalia and contemporary streetwear formed a wide circle around the flames and bonfire that was lit at Trogadero roundabout.
The somber silence was occasionally broken by deep, resonant melodies performed by a host of artistes on a makeshift stage that served as a podium, with soothing music from both renowned and emerging musicians echoing what many described as the collective heartbeat of the Rift.
“We don’t just mourn with words; we mourn with our artistic skills,” said Irene Saurei, a local gospel musician.
Organisers said the vigil was held in line with Kipsigis traditions, which emphasise mourning, solidarity, and respect for the departed rather than political chest-thumping. The creatives insisted the night was meant for remembrance, unity, and gratitude for a leader they said had consistently championed the region’s artistic talent.
A portrait of the late Emurua Dikirr MPJohana Ng'eno surrounded by candles in the streets of Eldoret as artistes hold a night vigil in his honour.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation Media Group
Led by Pastor Raymond Rono of AGC Pioneer, the artistes used the occasion to urge their counterparts from across the country to steer clear of politics in their work and instead use their artistic skills as a tool to unite Kenyans ahead of 2027, saying this would be the best way to preserve Ng’eno’s legacy.
The clergy noted that Ng’eno met his death while returning from a function in support of a local artiste when the crash occurred, an indication that the legislator was a genuine ambassador of local talent.
The gathering also paid tribute to five other people who died alongside the MP in the helicopter crash in Nandi last Saturday.
Artistes promised to join the family in sending off the legislator on Friday at his home in Narok County.
Leaders and residents across the region have praised the MP, popularly known as “Ngong,” for his strong support for young people and musicians.
