Ruto promises Ksh20M yearly to honour Johana Ng’eno’s passion for art and music
President William Ruto has promised to keep Johana Ng’eno’s legacy alive by ensuring that his initiatives with Kalenjin artistes are well-funded and continue to operate even after his demise.
Speaking at the burial service of the MP, along with four others who perished in the helicopter crash on Friday, March 6, 2026, Ruto promised Ksh20million annually to support and empower Kalenjin artists over the next five years.
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His administration will provide the funds to honour the legacy of Ng’eno, who was passionate about assisting the artist and served as a patron of the Kalenjin Music Festivals Awards.
Ruto further confirmed that artiste empowerment programmes that were started by the departed MP will now be managed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports.
Gov’t to take over projects
He clarified that the move aims to institutionalise the empowerment efforts spearheaded by Ng’eno before his passing.
“Johana Ngeno deserve recognition, hiyo mpango alikuwa akonayo ya kupanga hawa artist, for the next five years, tutatoa pesa za serikali shilingi milioni ishirini kila mwaka kupanga hiyo kazi Ngeno alikuwa anafanya,” Ruto said.
He added, “It will be taken over by the ministry responsible for arts, and we are going to support the efforts of our brother and leader of this constituency, Johana Ng’eno alifanya.”
Underscoring Ng’eno’s dedication to supporting artistes, the president stated that the late MP lost his life while returning from an empowerment programme of one artistes in the region.
“The late Ng’eno was deeply passionate about uplifting our artists,” the president stated.
“It is only fitting that we recognise his contribution, especially as he tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash while returning from an artist empowerment event,” he added.
Requests made to Ruto
The sombre event saw the families of the victims present their requests to Ruto, seeking his intervention as they navigate the aftermath of the tragic loss of their kin.
Statements made left no doubt that the departed were key pillars in their families and communities.
Requests to offer employment, provide school fees and assistance in acquiring land are among those that were tabled to the president.
