Details have emerged about how the late Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Ngeno handled the overwhelming volume of phone calls and messages he received daily from constituents and other Kenyans seeking help or audience.
Bill Kipkorir, one of Ngeno’s personal assistants, shared the account on social media, describing the late legislator as a leader who made deliberate efforts to personally respond to people despite the pressure of public office.
According to Kipkorir, Ngeno had developed a routine to ensure he did not ignore the many messages that came through his phone.
He explained that the MP would occasionally switch his phone to flight mode in order to concentrate on reading through all incoming messages, both on WhatsApp and other platforms, without interruptions from new calls or notifications.
During this time, Kipkorir said, Ngeno would carefully go through each message while noting down issues raised by different people.
Once he completed reviewing the messages, the MP would then dedicate another two hours making follow-up calls to respond to individuals and address their concerns.
“Johanna would often switch his phone to flight mode so he could go through all his messages while carefully noting them down. Once he was done, he would spend another two hours making calls to respond and follow up,” Kipkorir wrote.
He said the practice reflected Ngeno’s commitment to maintaining direct communication with constituents and ensuring that their concerns were acknowledged.
Kipkorir contrasted the late MP’s approach with what he described as a growing disconnect between some elected leaders and the citizens they represent.
“But your MP cannot even reply to a single message. That’s where you and the common citizens part ways,” he added.
Ngeno died last Saturday following a helicopter crash, a tragedy that shocked leaders and residents across Narok County and beyond.
Tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues, political leaders and residents who have described him as a vocal and accessible representative.
President William Ruto and other leaders have praised Ngeno’s dedication to public service during memorial events held in his honour.
Kipkorir concluded his message with a brief tribute to his former boss, writing: “Rest in peace, Boss.”