Emmy Kosgei recalls flying to events with MP Ng’eno, being treated like a star

Gospel singer Emmy Kosgei has recalled the special moments she shared with the late Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Ng’eno while working together in Kenya’s creative industry.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, March 5, 2026, Emmy described the shock and disbelief she felt as the nation prepared to lay the MP to rest, reflecting on how life can be unpredictable and fragile.

She said it was still hard to imagine that the man she admired was taking his final journey.

“It’s a few hours before this great man is laid to rest. It is still unbelievable that life is indeed a mystery to imagine that we are talking about the final journey, which is intense. I had an opportunity to thank him for the great work in the Kalenjin creative industry in particular,” she wrote.

The singer recounted the close professional relationship she had with Ng’eno, describing him as a visionary leader who was intentional in every interaction with creatives.

Emmy highlighted that Ng’eno often involved her in planning events, festivals, and initiatives aimed at empowering the creative community, taking time to listen to suggestions and ensure inclusivity, sustainability, and mentorship.

“The impact is so immense that it triggered so much growth and inspiration. Lives impacted through empowerment/you criss-crossed the region doing what only passion can do with so much sacrifice and commitment despite the pressure that comes with it. I recall his first call,” she added.

She shared a particularly moving memory of how Ng’eno personally called her and described her as “our daughter and our legend.”

He would reference her earlier albums, sing her favourite songs, and invite her to participate in major events, emphasising the value he placed on her work.

Emmy said that each time she flew to an event with him, she felt celebrated, treated like a celebrity, and honoured for her contribution to the creative industry.

“You are our daughter and our legend…” He sang his favourite songs from my old albums, about how he came for my events and supported me. He firmly said, ‘I need your counsel in this; you must be part of this.’ We spoke for hours on various aspects to make it more impactful/inclusive/sustainable and on thoughts on the industry as a whole. Your humility to value & take note of suggestions was humbling. You listened keenly. “Thank you for placing value on my work, for allowing me to be part of this vision in my small way as a part of this creative community… The last conversation was on the just-concluded festival,” she wrote.

“Feedback and what can be done better – you again took time to take note of suggestions in regard to various aspects, including sustainability/mentorship/economic sustainability & matters of revenue/health care/approach to secular & gospel/review of nominee criteria/among others in support of this powerful cause. We did have a meeting with Rose Kositany, who is the team lead on the same; that’s how intentional Ngong Ngeno Ole Kisiara was. He answered calls, replied to messages, and celebrated. I was humbled by so much honour you accorded me… We will treat you as our “celebrity”; you flew us to the venue and took care of us. Your team thank you.Thank you for showing how to celebrate people while alive.”

Through her post, Emmy highlighted the sacrifices and dedication of Ng’eno, noting that he criss-crossed the region supporting events and initiatives that promoted growth, inspiration, and empowerment for artistes.

She explained that he took time to consider even the smallest suggestions, ensuring that programmes were impactful and inclusive, covering areas like economic sustainability, mentorship, and healthcare for artists.

“You not only connected creatives to their fans, but you also actually sang & enjoyed their sound while they could see. You highlighted the power of sound; this cannot be forgotten in generations to come. The value system has grown. This move was a person. You laid the foundation for a system that has taken off; it can only get better. Thanks to him. The president for supporting this cause,” she added.

The singer described her final conversations with Ng’eno, which focused on feedback from a recently concluded festival.

She noted his attentiveness to ideas on nominee criteria, approaches to secular and gospel collaborations, and other strategic aspects to strengthen the creative sector.

Further, the singer expressed gratitude to God for allowing the late MP to accomplish so much in such a short time with passion, focus, and intentionality.

“We celebrate and thank God for the time He allowed #HonNgeno to do this with such urgency, speed, intentionality, passion, and focus… I join the nation to say pole. Mutyo missing family, friends, artists, community, Kenya… the people of Emurwa dikir pole sana. May his soul rest in eternal peace. His work and memory remain valued. It lives on. Rest, my brother and friend ,” she wrote.

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