Siaya Senator and ODM party leader Oburu Odinga has warned politicians against turning the helicopter crash that killed Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno and five others into a political tool.
While attending a requiem service for the victims at the Africa Gospel Church (AGC) in Karen, Nairobi yesterday, Oburu noted that some leaders might try to suggest foul play without any proof. He called for restraint and urged everyone to show respect for the families currently mourning their loved ones.
“Politicians who have very little agenda will always want to read some malice in the death of other politicians,” Oburu said. “But politicians are also human beings and can get involved in a normal accident and die like everybody else.”
He asked Kenyans to let the official investigations continue instead of spreading rumors.
“Please do not read malice in the death of our brother Ng’eno. He has died like everybody else,” he added.
Oburu pointed out that although Ngeno’s political status often places him at the center of public conversation, the other five victims deserve equal recognition as their families also face immense grief.
“Ngeno’s name is being mentioned more because he was a Member of Parliament, but the families of the other five are equally pained for losing their loved ones,” he said.
The accident in Mosop claimed the lives of several dedicated individuals alongside the MP. They include George Were, a pilot from Nyakach, Kisumu; Amos Kipngetich Rotich, a forester; Nick Koskei, the MP’s bodyguard; Carlos Keter, a photographer; Wycliffe Rono, a high school teacher; and a staff member from the Narok County government.
Ngeno first entered Parliament in 2013 and was serving his third term when the crash occurred.
Funeral Arrangements and Rites
The families have scheduled the burials for Friday, following a collective memorial service at Emurua Dikirr Primary School.
In keeping with Kipsigis customs, mourners will transport the bodies of Ng’eno and Rono from Lee Funeral Home to their rural homes for an overnight vigil on Thursday. The remains of Keter, Koskei, and Kipngetich will also leave Nairobi today.
Then on Friday, all six victims will be brought together at Emurua Dikirr Primary School for a joint final ceremony. Afterward, each family will proceed with their own private burial rites.
