Gospel singer Emmy Kosgei reflects on MP Ng’eno’s passion in emotional tribute
By Steve Ireri, March 3, 2026Gospel singer Emmy Kosgei has penned a deeply emotional tribute following the tragic death of Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Ng’eno.
In the tribute shared on Facebook on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the ‘Taai’ hitmaker described Johana as a passionate and intentional leader whose life, though cut short, was lived to the fullest.
In the message shared days after the fatal helicopter crash in Nandi County, Kosgei expressed shock and disbelief over the sudden loss, noting that coming to terms with his passing remains difficult.
“Honouring and celebrating the life of a great man, though cut off but lived to the fullest, intentionally and passionately, my friend and big brother,” she wrote.
Kosgei further extended her condolences to Ng’eno’s widow, children, extended family, staff, friends, and the people of Emurua Dikirr, acknowledging the deep pain being felt across his inner circle and community.
She also sent a special message of comfort to the Kalenjin music fraternity, emphasising unity and strength during the difficult period of mourning.
“It’sbeen days of shock and disbelief;
to even imagine we are writing ‘Rest in peace’ is unbelievable and unbearable
, Khaiiiii …
to your wife/children/family/the people of Emurwa Dikir/your staff/friends and the Kalenjin music fraternity. Mutyo
poleni
mutyo konyo
Rose Kositany mutyo tete,” she added.
Untimely demise
The helicopter, an Airbus H125 with registration 5Y-DSB, went down in a densely forested area amid heavy rainfall, which is believed to have contributed to the accident.
Onlookers rushed to the site but found the victims trapped in flames, with some bodies charred beyond recognition.
Despite attempts to extinguish the fire, the intensity made rescue impossible until emergency officers arrived.
The victims’ bodies, including that of MP Ng’eno, were later transported to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, where officials confirmed they had been severely burnt.
Identification and dressing of the remains took time, with relatives and officials being guided through careful procedures to allow for proper viewing and mourning.
The crash has sent shockwaves across Nandi County, particularly in Emurua Dikirr, where Ng’eno was widely regarded as a committed and influential leader.
Born in 1972, Ng’eno grew up in poverty in the Rift Valley and overcame numerous hardships, including a famine in 1994 that forced his family to relocate. As a boy, he walked long distances with donkeys carrying charcoal and maize to earn a living.
First elected as Emurua Dikirr MP in 2013, Ng’eno successfully defended his seat in the 2017 and 2022 general elections.
He was known for his active role in community initiatives, including women’s empowerment programmes and forums supporting youth development.
National leaders expressed profound sorrow following the tragedy. Babu Owino described Ng’eno’s death as a loss not only to his family but also to Parliament and the nation.
Ndindi Nyoro called the incident traumatic, noting Ng’eno’s courage, forthrightness, and dedication to public service.
Governors and MPs from surrounding counties also visited MTRH to mourn, calling on the public to remain patient and allow authorities to investigate the cause of the crash.
Investigators have launched a probe into the accident, focusing on weather conditions, helicopter maintenance, and flight protocols, while safety warnings have been issued to pilots operating in the region during the ongoing rainy season.