A legal and political debate has emerged over which leader — President William Ruto or former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua — will attend the burial of the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno, following a pointed comment by city lawyer Wahome Thuku.
Thuku framed the question as symbolic, noting that Ng’eno was both a personal friend and political confidant of Gachagua, and a recent staunch defender of the Ruto administration, having publicly pledged to defend the government “with blood.”
He asked rhetorically, “who will attend and who will skip his burial?” highlighting the tension between personal friendship and political loyalty.
The lawyer’s remarks come at a time when Ruto and Gachagua are no longer close allies, following a public split over policy and political strategy.
This strained relationship adds a layer of uncertainty over which leader will attend the funeral of the fallen MP.
Ng’eno, who died in a helicopter crash in Mosop, Nandi County, on February 28, 2026, was celebrated across political divides for his service in the National Assembly, though he sometimes found himself at odds with colleagues on critical matters.
President Ruto has publicly mourned the lawmaker, describing him as a dedicated servant of his constituents and praising his contributions to community development and governance.
Meanwhile, Gachagua emphasized the personal bond he shared with Ng’eno, recalling challenges during his 2024 impeachment fight and calling for a transparent investigation into the helicopter crash.