NAROK, Kenya — Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has renewed demands for investigations into the death of former Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno, questioning the circumstances surrounding the helicopter crash that claimed the legislator’s life.
Gachagua made the remarks on Friday during a visit to Ngeno’s mother, Mama Mary Temas, at her home in Mogondo village, Emurua Dikirr, before addressing a political gathering in the constituency.
The former Deputy President said Temas remained distressed months after her son’s death and claimed the family had yet to obtain satisfactory answers about what happened on the day of the crash.
Ngeno died on February 28, 2026, when a helicopter carrying him and five other people crashed in Chepkiep village, Mosop Constituency, Nandi County.
Gachagua said the circumstances surrounding the legislator’s death continued to raise questions and called on authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
He specifically challenged Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to explain what he alleged was the release of a person who had been questioned over circumstances preceding the crash.
“Mimi nikiwa hapa nataka kuambia mama tunataka tujibiwe. Siku ya kifo alikuwa Endebes na baadaye ikaenda mahali ilikuwa inabadilishiwa mafuta ya ndege… kuna jamaa alileta mafuta ya kipekee na alitoka Lodwar,” Gachagua said.
He claimed the individual was questioned after the aircraft departed but was subsequently released following a phone call.
“Ndege ilitoka saa 3.07pm yule jamaa alihojiwa ila kuna simu ilitoka juu eti jamaa aachiliwe,” he said.
Gachagua then directly challenged Murkomen to clarify what he knew about the alleged intervention.
“Tunataka Murkomen aseme anajua nini ndio yule jamaa aachiliwe,” he said.
The allegations have not been independently established, and Gachagua did not provide evidence during his remarks to substantiate the claim concerning the alleged fuel or the reported phone call.
Gachagua said Ngeno’s death had left unanswered questions and urged authorities to consider involving international investigative agencies.
“His untimely passing shook the entire nation, leaving many questions unanswered to this day,” he said.
He called for the involvement of agencies such as Scotland Yard or the FBI, arguing that an independent investigation could help establish what happened.
Ngeno was among six people killed in the crash. The other victims were pilot George Were, photographer Nick Kosgei, Kenya Forest Service officer Amos Kipngetich Rotich, teacher Carlos Keter and Narok County protocol officer Wycliff Kiprotich Rono.
The aircraft reportedly encountered poor weather conditions, including mist and rain, before the crash.
During his visit, Gachagua also claimed that Ngeno’s mother was struggling months after her son’s death despite assurances that she would receive assistance.
He said Temas told him she had not received the support she had been promised and was struggling with basic needs, including money for medication.
Gachagua also questioned the circumstances and speed of Ngeno’s burial, saying the family deserved greater transparency over the events following his death.
He did not identify the individuals or institutions he said had made the alleged promises of support.
The former Deputy President said he was saddened to find Ngeno’s mother still grieving and distressed.
“May God comfort you, Mama,” Gachagua said.
He described Ngeno as a formidable leader who championed equity and equality and stood up for the interests of his community.
“My friend, the late Johanna Ng’eno, was a formidable leader who championed the principles of equity and equality in leadership,” Gachagua said.
He said the late MP had been a straightforward leader committed to justice and community interests.
Gachagua also announced plans to construct a mausoleum at Ngeno’s gravesite as a permanent memorial to the former MP.
“To honour my friend’s legacy, I have instructed the immediate construction of a mausoleum at his resting place for his remembrance,” he said.
During the visit, Gachagua laid a wreath at Ngeno’s grave and shared agricultural produce with his mother, describing the gesture as a symbol of the longstanding relationship between the Kikuyu and Kalenjin communities.
Also Read: MP among six passengers killed in Nandi County helicopter crash
“As a son of the Mountain, I was honoured to share some of my agricultural produce with Mama Mary Temas, symbolising the continued bond and friendship that no one can break,” he said.
Gachagua also accused Murkomen of attempting to prevent him from reaching Emurua Dikirr for his political engagement, although he did not provide evidence for the allegation.
The visit came as Gachagua continues to strengthen his political presence in the Rift Valley and position the DCP ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Ngeno’s death has continued to attract political attention, with Gachagua now calling for a fresh examination of the circumstances surrounding the crash and urging the government to provide answers to the bereaved family.
