Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made explosive claims surrounding the death of Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno, alleging political intimidation and calling for an independent investigation into the fatal helicopter crash in Mosop, Nandi County.
Speaking during a church service at AIPCA Nyandarua North Diocese in Nyandarua County, Gachagua described the late MP as a close ally and confidant who had been “under siege” for his political stance and growing influence within the Kipsigis community.
He was accompanied by members of the United Opposition led by H.E. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, alongside Fred Matiang’i, Justin Muturi, and Eugene Wamalwa, among other leaders.
Claims of Political Pressure and Intimidation
Gachagua alleged that Ng’eno had faced sustained pressure from senior government officials, including Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, over what he termed as attempts to suppress Ng’eno’s ambitions to emerge as a key Kipsigis leader.
According to Gachagua, he remained in contact with the late MP in the days leading up to the crash. He claimed that as recently as Sunday, they spoke after Gachagua toured Bomet County.
“He encouraged me to go through Bomet. After I was well received, he called to thank me for articulating the challenges facing the Kipsigis people,” Gachagua stated.
Call for Thorough and Independent Investigations
The former Deputy President has now demanded what he termed as a transparent and credible probe into the helicopter crash that claimed Ng’eno’s life and five others.
Drawing parallels to the 2008 helicopter crash that killed former Cabinet Minister Kipkalya Kones, Gachagua suggested that emerging Kipsigis leaders have historically faced “unfortunate challenges.”
“Kipkalya Kones died in a helicopter crash and he was a great leader of the Kipsigis community. Now Johana Ng’eno has died in similar circumstances. We must know the truth,” he said.
Demand for Murkomen to Step Aside
Gachagua further called on President William Ruto to ask CS Murkomen to step aside to allow what he described as an impartial investigation. He argued that it would be difficult for Kenyans to have confidence in the outcome of the probe if the Interior Ministry remains directly involved, given what he described as prior political differences between Ng’eno and senior officials.
In addition, Gachagua leveled broader accusations against the Interior Ministry, alleging political interference in national security matters and raising concerns about the state of security in the country. These claims have not been independently verified.
Investigations into the helicopter crash are expected to be led by relevant aviation and security authorities, with Kenyans awaiting official findings into the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
The tragic loss of Johana Ng’eno continues to reverberate across the political divide, even as fresh political tensions emerge in its aftermath.
Meanwhile, the bodies of Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno and the five other victims have been transferred to Nairobi’s Lee Funeral Home as the Parliament of Kenya continues with burial preparations following the tragic helicopter crash.
Channel 15 News – Full Story First
www.channel15news.co.ke
