City lawyer Wahome Thuku has sharply criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for announcing the death of Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno at a political rally in Nakuru, arguing that the timing and forum were insensitive to the bereaved family.
Thuku’s remarks spotlight growing national unease over how the tragic helicopter crash that killed the lawmaker and five others was handled in the immediate aftermath.
Ng’eno, a three‑term legislator known for his vocal advocacy and active constituency engagement, died on 28 February 2026 when a Eurocopter AS350 helicopter crashed in Chepkiep, Mosop, Nandi County, amid bad weather.
All six occupants, including the MP, perished on impact and the aircraft was destroyed by fire.
In a post shared on social media, Thuku said he initially dismissed criticism by Narok Governor Ole Ntutu — who is also Ng’eno’s father‑in‑law — of those who revealed the MP’s death at a rally “before the family had been briefed” as mere political noise.
However, after learning that Ntutu was a close family member, the senior lawyer said he “felt the weight” of that rebuke — and by extension questioned Gachagua’s decision to break the news publicly in a political setting.
Thuku said the remarks should prompt reflection on dignity, respect and timing when communicating devastating personal loss.
“Now imagine when you have to be rebuked at that level of the family,” Thuku wrote, suggesting the criticism was not just about politics but a profound personal and cultural concern.
He did not directly accuse Gachagua of malice but emphasised that announcements about death should respect family channels and protocol before being shared with broad audiences.
Gachagua had addressed the crowd in Nyahururu soon after the crash, describing Ng’eno as a trusted ally and calling for a thorough, transparent investigation into the circumstances of the accident.
He urged authorities to make the probe public and stressed the need for accountability.
The helicopter tragedy has drawn nationwide attention, prompting statements from political leaders, national security agencies and aviation authorities.
The National Police Service and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department are leading formal inquiries, with preliminary reports expected within weeks.
Thuku’s commentary adds a legal and ethical dimension to the ongoing discourse, raising questions about political conduct and respect for grieving families in times of national sorrow.