Grief and tributes marked the emotional final funeral service as the five victims of the February 28, 2026 helicopter crash.
Emurua Dikirr MP Johanna Ng’eno, Robert Keter, Amos Rotich, Wycliffe Rono and Nicholas Kosgei were laid to rest at their respective rural homes in Narok and Bomet Counties as families, friends and national leaders, led by William Ruto, gathered to pay their last respects.
Ng’eno was remembered as a fearless and outspoken leader who fought for his community. His widow, Naiyanoi Ng’eno Ntutu, delivered an emotional tribute.
”Mpenzi wangu kuondoka kwao kumeacha pengo kubwa kwangu. Ulikuwa mume wangu, rafiki yako na faraja yangu, upendo wako utaishi ndani yatu milele,” said Niayanoi.
Families of the other victims also shared emotional tributes and appealed to the government for support, noting that many of the deceased were the main providers in their homes.
A deeply moving moment came when the daughter of Wycliffe Rono, popularly known as Sportpesa, stood before mourners to mourn her father.
”Dad you will always be my protector,” she said in a soft voice, perhaps not fully understanding what had happened, but it was clear that her courage was deeply moving.
Amos Rotich’s brother Carlos also struggled to hold back tears as he promised to step into his brother’s role and protect the family.
”Sasa nimechukua jukumu la kuilinda familia, Mungu nisaidie,” alisema.
Leaders including Depute President Kithure Kindiki, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu and Senator Ledama Ole Kina paid their tributes.
Addressing mourners, President Ruto responded to the families’ pleas and announced immediate support measures. The government will offer a job to Wycliffe Rono’s widow and another to Carlos’ sister, while Amos Rotich’s siblings will receive education sponsorship from leaders. Nicholas Kosgei’s family will also receive government support.
Each of the four affected families will receive Sh2 million.
The President also announced a series of development pledges in honour of the late MP Johanna Ng’eno.
At the same time he asked Narok Governor Patrick ole Ntutu to identify land for the construction of a campus of Maasai Mara University in Emurua Dikirr and pledged Sh20 million toward the project.
Ruto also called on leaders to join efforts to complete the church where Ng’eno worshipped, fulfilling the late MP’s wish.
He further announced that 12,000 Mau Forest evictees will be resettled between July and August after funds are allocated in the national budget.
In a final tribute, the President said the Boma Yangu Affordable Housing Programme project in Shauri Moyo will be renamed Johanna Ng’eno Boma Yangu Estate to honour the late legislator, who served as chairman of the programme.
The five men will be remembered as devoted fathers, sons and public servants whose lives were cut short in the tragic crash.
