Friend and foe unite to lay to rest fearless defender and beloved father

Family members of the late Johana Ngeno, the Emurua Dikirr MP, during his funeral service at Emurua Dikirr Primary School. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno, a fearless critic of the government and a defender of his people, yesterday united both friend and foe at his burial, which was attended by thousands of mourners led by President William Ruto. Ngeno was an abrasive politician who never feared to take on the powerful and mighty and, at some point in his political career, was a critic of the President, who yesterday showered praises on the departed legislator. Thousands of mourners and 94 MPs turned up at the solemn burial ceremony held at his farm in Narok County. National and local leaders put aside their differences to bid farewell to a legislator widely remembered as a defender of land rights and the interests of his constituents. Thousands of mourners from across the country thronged the quiet Narok village for a funeral ceremony that blended grief, tribute and reflection on the legacy of a man many described as a rising political force whose voice had become central in regional land struggles. For residents of Emurua Dikirr, the burial marked the end of a political journey that left behind a legacy of courage, development and service, one many believe will be difficult to match. The President led the nation in mourning the fallen legislator, describing him as a visionary leader who distinguished himself through dedication to his people and active service in Parliament. President William Ruto with the family of the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng'eno in Emurua Dikirr, Narok County. [File Courtesy] "He believed in transforming the lives of his people. We will honour him by ensuring that the projects he started are completed," the President said. Ruto said the late MP had strongly pushed for solutions to several long-standing issues affecting the region, including compensation for Mau Forest evictees, settlement of squatters on Cheluget land in Narok South and the Angata Barikoi Moyoi settlement scheme. The President announced that the government had reached an agreement with the Cheluget family to purchase the disputed land, raising hopes for a lasting solution to the long-running conflict. On the Angata Barikoi land dispute, he said the government had already set aside funds in the national budget to purchase the 1,500 acres, noting that resolving the matter would help end tensions that have repeatedly erupted in the area. The Head of State also announced several infrastructure projects aimed at boosting development in the region, including the reconstruction of the Chebole-Emurua Dikirr Road and the construction of a 190-kilometre road linking Salgaa to Nyanza. In honour of the late MP's contribution to the government's affordable housing programme, the President said Shauri Moyo Housing Estate in Nairobi would be renamed Johana Ngeno Estate. He also pledged Sh720 million to purchase land and begin the establishment of a university in Emurua Dikirr. Land issues dominated the funeral and the joint requiem mass held on Thursday, where residents demanded urgent government intervention in disputes related to Mau Forest evictions and ownership of community land. Leaders and locals described Ngeno as a fearless and vocal champion of land rights who consistently pushed for the resettlement of Mau Forest evictees. For years, disputes surrounding the Mau Forest - including forced evictions, land ownership claims and political influence - have remained contentious issues in Narok. Ngeno emerged as one of the most prominent voices opposing the evictions, often confronting state officials and pursuing legal battles in court over community land rights. In September 2019, he was arrested during one of the confrontations over the evictions, a move that further cemented his image among supporters as a defender of the marginalised. While government officials sometimes accused him of inciting settlers not to vacate the forest, supporters viewed him as a strong advocate for property rights and human dignity. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki described Ngeno as a visionary leader whose passion for development was evident in the projects he initiated. "We will honour him the same way we honoured him in life - by completing the work he started for his people," Kindiki said. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula led more than 40 Members of Parliament to the burial, describing Ngeno as one of the most committed legislators in the House. "Parliament has lost one of its finest. He was courageous, focused and always active in House business," said Wetang'ula. Among other leaders present were Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu, Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok, Kericho Deputy Governor Wesley Rotich and former Narok Governor Isaac Ruto. Governor Ntutu, who described himself as Ngeno's in-law, recalled their friendship and shared moments while serving in Parliament. "We shared many jokes. I once asked him when he would marry. He avoided the question for long, but one day he told me he wanted to marry from my family," Ntutu said, drawing both laughter and tears from mourners. He also recalled their final conversation. "The last day he asked me to join him in distributing bursaries in his constituency. He said he would pick me up with a helicopter. I did not know that would be the last time we spoke," he said. The most emotional moment came when Ngeno's widow, Nayianoi Ntutu, paid tribute to her husband. Fighting back tears, she remembered him as a loving husband, supportive partner and devoted father who was deeply committed to helping others. She said Ngeno often sacrificed his own comfort to serve the people of Emurua Dikirr. Residents also highlighted several development projects the late MP had initiated but which remain incomplete, including markets in Mambo Leo and Inchipiship, affordable housing projects in Emurua Dikirr and Mokondo, hostels at Mogondo and TTI, and the recarpeting of the Dikirr-Chebole Road. There were also plans to establish a branch of Maasai Mara University at Oloolmaasani, an initiative residents said would have expanded education opportunities for young people in the region. Leaders and residents also called for a thorough investigation into the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Ngeno and four others. National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah led MPs in paying tribute to their colleague, while at one point, Members of Parliament led by Sylvanus Osoro sang the hymn Bwana U Sehemu Yangu, moving many mourners to tears. Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina described Ngeno as a courageous leader who stood firmly for the rights of his people. "If we had a way to talk to God, we would ask Him to set aside death, because it always takes the best among us," he said.

Friend and foe unite to lay to rest fearless defender and beloved father

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