Ng'eno’s enduring bond with his Ugandan ‘cousins’

Many did not even know the political constituency he represented in Kenya as a Member of Parliament. A mention of Emurua Dikirr would get the crowds wondering what that meant. Even the pronunciation of his name varied from one speaker to the other. But it didn’t matter. He was Johana. He was Ng’eno Ngong. He was Kisiara. He was kingpin. One of a kind from the heart of Emurua Dikirr. The one from Narok County who loved Sebei!

If he wasn’t roaring on a microphone at a campaign rally stinging friends and foe alike, he was serenading crowds at music festivals. But it is the latter attribute that he carried across the border to Kapkugo (grandparents’ home as many Kalenjin call it), the home of Kalenjin in Sebei Sub-region, Uganda. The sub-region comprises three districts; Kapchorwa, Kween and Bukwo.

Yet when he wasn’t with a microphone, one wouldn’t easily notice him. He sat quietly and often smiled behind his spectacles, revealing a somewhat well-packed dental formula. He wore a rough-on-the edges beard.

For many, the football tournament finals and the line-up of artistes were mere sideshows compared to the anticipation of his arrival that sunny day. Remarkably, this was Ng’eno’s second visit to the mountainous region in just two weeks. Earlier, he had graced the Kalenjin Music Awards Festival at Kapchorwa Boma Grounds on December 27, drawing thousands of revelers. He was accompanied by Endebess MP Robert Pukose and Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, among a host of other leaders.

That January 10 event ended at 10pm. The chilling weather at the high-altitude training centre had got the better of the legislator, so much so that Cheptegei ordered his staff to provide a blue jacket with the NN Running label. With Cheptegei and a host of local politicians, they took over the stage for most of the evening, dancing to Kalenjin music and awarding money to football and music stars of the day.

That evening, President Museveni’s Senior Private Secretary Anthony Kuka Cherotich hosted a select team of the delegation at his Misse Cave lodges, on the banks of River Sipi, for a dinner that stretched to 1 am.

“It was a night of brotherhood and a shared vision. We agreed to support one another across our two countries. He was to organise three festivals in Kenya in 2026 and host us as main guests, while we were to organise two in Uganda; a music concert and a football tournament, with plans to invite President William Ruto to grace the events in December this year. Our objective was clear: to strengthen talent collaboration across borders and promote unity,” Mr Kuka said in an interview on March 3.

The last Kenyan politician to draw such crowds was then Deputy President William Ruto when, in 2015, he joined President Museveni in campaign rallies in Sebei.

Like Ruto and his group then, Ng’eno spoke to the crowd in local Kalenjin dialect, which endeared him more to the community. He danced, too, and mixed freely with all and sundry.

His journey to Sebei had started in May 2025, when one of the local artistes picked interest in his political career.

Ng’eno’s first public appearance in Sebei would come towards the end of last year when, clad in a grey Kaunda suit and a sinendet (green sash) across his chest, he stormed the Kalenjin Music Festival event in Kapchorwa District.

Songstress Queen Mercy, speaking to Nation on March 3, said she was pleasantly surprised by Ng’eno’s warmth and for accepting her invite.

“I first interacted with Hon Johana Ng’eno in May 2025, after following his events for two years. I had prayed that one day I would be counted among his favourite artistes, to tap into his support. After an event in West Pokot, I sent him a message: ‘Hi Hon., my name is Queen Mercy Barteka, a Kalenjin artiste from Kapkugo, Uganda. We are Kalenjin, just like the artistes you support. I plan to host my five-year anniversary celebration in the music industry’.”

“He immediately texted his PA, Rose Kositany: ‘This is a must-attend. It will be sensational’.”

At that point, Queen Mercy felt like heaven on earth. But it still seemed like a pipe dream until some four months down the road.

“On September 7, 2025, at 3 pm, I finally met him face-to-face. He hugged me warmly and asked if the turnout was good. I smiled and said, ‘Just wait and see’. When we arrived at the venue, we were given a heroic welcome. A man I had prayed for years to meet was now standing beside me. In my presence, he even texted the President of Kenya [William Ruto]. He asked for my Kalenjin name, and I told him I am Cheptoek. Little did I know he was requesting support from the President himself,” Queen Mercy reminisces.

The moneybags

Mr Mark Cherop Cherirei, a journalist and talk show host, said Ng’eno had a heart for musicians and talent at large, and his wallet would easily open to support them.

“He once shared with me that he founded the Kalenjin Music Festival in Kenya with a clear purpose to uplift artists and transform their lives. In his own words, he said, 'You may find an artiste with a beautiful song we all enjoy, yet in their own space they are struggling even to put a meal on the table'. Hon Ngeno single-handedly funded the first edition of the Sebei Music Awards 2025 with nearly Sh4.3 million (UGX130 million), of which Sh3.3 million (UGX100M) went directly to the artistes,” Mr Cherirei says.

Queen Mercy had been a big beneficiary. “When Hon Ng’eno announced his support, he pledged Sh1 million and another Sh1 million from the President [Ruto]. That moment changed my life forever. Later, I requested Hon Ng'eno to support the Sebei Music Awards Festival, and he fulfilled that promise. He spent over Sh5.3 million (UGX160 million) on the event, where I won Best Female Secular Artiste and Overall Artist of the Year,” she says.

“On a personal level, we had planned to build a house for my mother. He had also promised to secure me an appointment with the Kenyan President,” she shares.

Ng’eno was planning to return to Sebei after Easter.

The sad news

Coincidentally, the news of his death reached Sebei on a chilly, misty Saturday evening, on February 28, akin to the weather described in many reports from the crash site in Nandi.  The news spread like wildfire, plunging the mountainous area into mourning.  

As the most recent host of the late leader, Ugandan long-distance athletics star Joshua Cheptegei paid tribute.

“I join the entire Kalenjin community in mourning the passing of Hon Johana Ng’eno Ngong, MP for Emurua Dikirr Constituency. He was a brave and instrumental leader who always put others before himself. His courage, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to serving his people set him apart and inspired many of us.

“As we mourn his loss, we also honour his life and service. We will do everything in our power to ensure that his legacy lives on, carried forward through unity, purpose, and continued service to the community. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he posted on X.

Queen Mercy said she had been with Ng’eno in Trans Nzoia on the day he passed away.

“We were celebrating, but just an hour later, tragedy struck. His death is a heavy blow to my family and my career. Artistes in Sebei feel orphaned. We have lost a unifying force. We had shared so many plans, none of which have been implemented. He had envisioned a second edition of the festival this year, in collaboration with Joshua Cheptegei, with a budget of more than Sh6.6 million (UGX200 million),” she said.

Many other artistes are heartbroken.

“Rest in peace, Mhesh! Even though we never met in person, it truly felt as though we had. I grew attached to you as an artiste and deeply admired your selfless efforts to support others in the industry. I had plans that featured you, but God, the author of life, knows best. I pray that he grants your family and friends the strength needed to endure these difficult moments. May the angels in heaven receive you well.” Sylvia Kissa Munyole, an artiste, eulogised him.

‎Mr Kyle Ngai, a musician and music producer, ‎said Ng’eno’s death has left a void in the Kalenjin music industry.

“I remember when I was launching my music on 11th January 2026, Johana supported me and stood beside me financially and physically. He even promised to stand by my side in my music career. I had a lot of hopes and further connections plus relationships this year. That moment showed me his heart for music and for people while we were at the Shining Light of God Ministries, Kapchorwa,” he says.

Love for Museveni

Mr Kuka says Ng’eno openly expressed admiration for President Museveni and indicated his willingness to campaign for him.

“We also discussed cooperation ahead of Kenya’s next elections and the importance of maintaining peace and order along our shared border. Hon Ng’eno was a bridge-builder committed to partnership, youth empowerment, and regional harmony. His vision of cross-border unity and political stability will remain a lasting inspiration. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Mr Kuka adds.

Tributes

Queen Mercy, artiste: “Nge’no touched countless lives in Sebei. He won the hearts of leaders and ordinary people alike. He was a leader for all seasons, a father figure to many, and a man who never discriminated against anyone. His love for the creative arts was pure and unique”.

Mark Cherop Cherirei, journalist: “Hon Johana Ng’eno Kipyegon was a truly exceptional leader. Whenever he came to Sebei, he set aside titles and status; despite being a Member of Parliament in Kenya, he related freely with everyone, treating all with equal dignity and respect.”

Cherotich Anthony Kuka, Senior Private Secretary to President of the Republic of Uganda: “I first met Hon Johana Ngeno in 2017, and from then until 2025 we maintained a warm and purposeful engagement. Our last in-person interaction was when he visited Uganda to grace a music concert organised by Queen Mercy. Through Hon Dr Robert Pukose and Senator Jackson Mandago, we spoke on phone, where he promised to return and grace the football tournament of the Joseph Cheptegei Foundation.”

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