President William Ruto yesterday issued a raft of directives during the burial service of Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Ng’eno and four others who perished in a helicopter crash in Nandi County on February 22, 2026. The ceremony, held at Emurua Dikirr Primary School in Narok County, drew thousands of mourners, political leaders, family members and community elders who gathered to pay their last respects to the fallen legislator and the accompanying victims.
Speaking from a tent erected on the school grounds, the President first expressed profound condolences to the families and pledged concrete government support in honour of the late MP’s service to his constituents and the nation. “Johana Ng’eno was a dedicated son of this region and a loyal servant of the people,” Ruto said. “His sudden departure, together with those who perished alongside him, has left a deep wound. But we will not mourn in vain—we will honour his memory through action.”
Among the most significant announcements was the commitment of Sh750 million to establish a branch campus of Maasai Mara University in Emurua Dikirr Constituency. The President said the facility would be named in honour of the late MP and would focus on agriculture, tourism, environmental studies and other disciplines relevant to the region’s economy. “This campus will stand as a living monument to Johana’s vision for education and development in this area,” Ruto declared. “The money will be allocated in the next financial year so that construction can begin without delay.”
Ruto then addressed the family of Carlos Keter, one of the crash victims, confirming that the employment letter previously issued by the Teachers Service Commission would be redirected to Keter’s sister. “We will not let this tragedy leave any family member without support,” he said. “That TSC letter meant for Carlos will now go to his sister so she can continue serving our children.”
To the family of Nick Kosgey, another victim, the President promised to personally resolve all issues they had raised privately with him. “I have listened to Nick’s family,” Ruto stated. “Everything they have asked for will be fulfilled. We stand with them in their grief and in rebuilding their lives.”
The President extended similar assurances to the family of Amos, committing the government to cover school fees for the children studying at Kisii University. He added that Narok Senator Sonko Belgut would sponsor one student while Brighton would sponsor another. “Education will not be disrupted because of this tragedy,” Ruto said. “We will ensure every child in these families completes their studies.”
In a gesture aimed at one of the victims’ widows, Ruto announced that the wife of Wycliff Rono—an employee of SportPesa who died in the crash—would be offered employment in the Ministry of Agriculture. “She will be absorbed so she can provide for her children and continue with dignity,” the President said.
Ruto also pledged Sh20 million annually to support artists and creatives across the country in honour of the late MP, who was known for his patronage of local talent. “Johana loved music, dance and culture,” he explained. “This fund will nurture upcoming artists so that his passion lives on through the next generation.”
In a symbolic gesture, the President directed the Ministry of Housing to rename Shauri Moyo Estate in Nairobi in honour of the late Emurua Dikirr MP. “This estate will carry Johana Ng’eno’s name so that future generations remember his contribution to public service,” Ruto said.
Each of the affected families will receive KSh 2 million in immediate financial support from the State. Additionally, Sh5 million has been set aside for the completion of a church project in the constituency that was dear to the late MP.
On infrastructure, Ruto promised the completion of all 12 markets in Narok County that have remained unfinished. He also directed the construction of a new Class B road from Chebole to Dikir without recarpeting existing roads, ensuring a fresh alignment that serves previously unconnected areas.
One of the largest commitments was the purchase of 1,500 acres of land in Angata Barikoi for the resettlement of squatters in the region. “We will buy the land and ensure these families have secure titles and a fresh start,” the President said.
Finally, Ruto announced that 12,000 Mau Forest evictees will be resettled between July and August 2026 after funds are allocated in this year’s budget. “The money will be provided so that no one is left behind,” he assured the gathering. “We are resolving the Mau issue once and for all with fairness and compassion.”
The directives were met with applause from the crowd, many of whom had travelled long distances to attend the burial. Several local leaders praised the President for responding directly to community needs during a moment of grief. However, some opposition voices questioned the timing and funding sustainability of the promises, urging that they be gazetted immediately to ensure implementation.
As the sun set over Emurua Dikirr Primary School, the burial concluded with prayers and songs, leaving behind a legacy of service and a series of presidential commitments that residents now expect to see fulfilled in the months ahead.
