The Ng’eno family has been dealt another devastating blow just months after losing their son, Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno, in a fatal helicopter crash.
Paul Ng’eno, the only surviving brother of the late legislator, passed away on Friday, August 21, following a prolonged illness. His death comes barely 174 days after his younger brother Johana died in a tragic aviation accident, leaving the family in deep mourning for the second time in less than six months.
A Sudden Turn for the Worse
According to family statements, Paul had been receiving medical treatment in Eldoret for injuries sustained from a motorbike accident some time ago. The crash had severely affected his spinal cord and throat area, requiring extensive medical care and multiple surgeries.
In a cruel twist of fate, Paul had recently undergone a successful procedure and was reportedly stable, with doctors even preparing him for discharge. However, his condition took a sharp and unexpected downturn just hours before his death.
“Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated a few hours ago, and he sadly passed away this evening,” the family confirmed in an emotional statement.
Gachagua’s Visit and Pledge to Settle Ksh1.8 Million Bill
Just hours before Paul’s passing, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua visited the Ng’eno homestead in a gesture of solidarity. During the visit, Gachagua made a public commitment to settle Paul’s outstanding Ksh1.8 million hospital bill, offering a glimmer of hope to the family that was tragically short-lived.
The former DP also pledged to construct a mausoleum in honor of the late MP Johana Ng’eno, whose death he has consistently called for international investigation. Gachagua has been vocal in urging Scotland Yard and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to probe the helicopter crash that claimed the MP’s life, citing concerns over transparency and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Helicopter Crash That Shook the Nation
On February 28, Johana Ng’eno died alongside five others when the Airbus H125 helicopter they were traveling in crashed in Chepkiep Village, Mosop Sub-County, Nandi County.
The aircraft went down at approximately 4:45 PM amid heavy mist and poor visibility. Reports indicate that the helicopter struck three trees before tumbling and bursting into flames, killing everyone on board instantly. The tragedy sent shockwaves across the political and local community, with leaders from all sides condoling with the family.
A Family Shaped by Loss and Resilience
Paul Ng’eno was the only surviving son of the family matriarch, Mary Temas—popularly known as Mama Mary—and the late Ngong Ngeno Ole Kisiara. His father passed away years earlier, but his legacy lived on through Johana, who frequently honored his father’s name in his public life.
Paul leaves behind a grieving family, including his sisters:
- Elizabeth Chumo
- Sarah Temas
Another sister, Janeth Chepkosgei, passed away before Johana’s death, meaning the family has now lost three of its children in a short span.
A Community in Mourning
The back-to-back losses have left the Emurua Dikirr community and the wider Kenyan public in shock. Paul was known not just as the brother of a prominent MP but as a quiet, resilient figure who bore his health struggles with dignity.
As the family prepares for yet another burial, calls for support and prayers have poured in from across the country. Gachagua’s pledge to clear the hospital bill, though coming too late to save Paul, will nonetheless relieve the family of a significant financial burden during this difficult time.
What’s Next?
With Paul’s passing, the Ng’eno family now faces the task of laying to rest their last surviving son. Meanwhile, the push for an independent investigation into Johana Ng’eno’s helicopter crash continues to gain traction, with Gachagua and other leaders vowing not to let the matter fade.
For now, the family has asked for privacy and prayers as they navigate this period of profound grief.
This is a developing story. More details will be shared as they become available.