Details have emerged of the remarks President William Ruto made during the 2018 wedding of the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno, who perished in a helicopter crash on Saturday, February 28, in Nandi County.
The wedding, which drew national attention, offered a glimpse into the close ties between the lawmaker and the President.
During the high-profile ceremony, President Ruto congratulated Ngeno on finally settling down, acknowledging both his personal achievements and the journey that had led him to marriage.
“I am happy you can now settle down as a family man. The problems we have with you in the past are now water under the bridge. You are now an elder. Welcome to the married club,” Ruto said, remarks that reportedly got tongues wagging at the event.
In a previous interview with TV47, Ngeno had revealed why he waited until the age of 44 to marry. He said his focus on achieving personal and professional goals—completing his degrees, pursuing a master’s, and venturing into politics—kept him from taking the step sooner.
"My parents started telling me to think about marriage while I was still in school, but I refused. In university, they still pressured me, but I refused. I had decided that I had to first achieve all my dreams and goals. When I got into politics, the voters would remind me that I was single. I told them the MP seat would be first wife," Ngeno said with a laugh.
He added that his constituents often reminded him that marriage was a milestone he could not ignore.
"As I sought reelection, the voters warned me that they would not vote for me again if I did not marry. I had time to think about all the achievements I had made, from getting my degree, master's and even becoming an MP. Indeed, it was a time," he reflected.
Ngeno eventually married, balancing personal fulfillment with a successful political career.
President Ruto’s remarks at the wedding highlighted both the MP’s personal transformation and the respect he commanded among political leaders.
Colleagues and constituents continue to mourn Ngeno’s untimely death, remembering him not only for his legislative achievements but also for his wit, humility, and relatable approach to life’s challenges.
His story—deliberate, ambitious, and ultimately fulfilled—remains a defining part of his legacy.