Gachagua Offers Solace to Mother After Second Son's Death in Six Months

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has offered his condolences to Mama Mary Temas, who is grappling with the profound loss of her second son, Paul Ng'eno, within a mere six-month period. Paul Ng'eno passed away on Friday evening, August 22, at an Eldoret hospital where he had been undergoing medical treatment for an unspecified duration. His death follows closely on the heels of his brother, former Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Ng'eno, who died in a helicopter crash in February.

Hours prior to Paul Ng'eno's demise, Mr. Gachagua had publicly committed to settling an outstanding hospital bill of KSh 1.8 million, demonstrating solidarity with the family during their difficult time. This commitment underscores the swift and unexpected nature of the tragedy that has befallen the Ng'eno household, leaving the matriarch to mourn two children in quick succession, a situation that resonates deeply with the communal spirit of grief and support often seen in Kenyan communities.

In a poignant message shared via Facebook, Mr. Gachagua specifically addressed Mama Mary Temas, acknowledging the immense pain of her double bereavement. "No words of consolation are strong enough for you at this moment, but only God’s grace is sufficient," he stated, empathizing with her struggle. "I pray for you, Mama Mary. I know that, for a moment, you may question God why this has happened to you and to your sons. Many of us will ask, but the will of God is absolute. We may not understand the pain in your heart at the moment. But it is truly painful to lose your two sons within a short period."

The passing of Paul Ng'eno was confirmed by Bernard Ngeno, popularly known as Arap Buluu, who previously served as the personal assistant to the late MP Johana Ng'eno. Arap Buluu conveyed his heartfelt sympathies, stating, "I convey my message of condolences to the family of Arap Temas, for the loss of Paul Ngeno, who was brother to the late Hon. Johana Ngeno. We say pole to mama Mary and the whole family."

Beyond the financial pledge, Mr. Gachagua also revealed other gestures of support for the grieving family. He had previously shared a portion of his harvest, delivering several sacks of foodstuffs to Mama Mary Temas. Furthermore, he announced plans to construct a mausoleum in honor of the late former MP Johana Ng'eno, confirming that designers had already been instructed to develop blueprints for the memorial structure, a significant act of remembrance in Kenyan culture.

During his visit to the family, Mr. Gachagua made claims that government entities had attempted to obstruct his travel to see Mama Mary Temas. He expressed gratitude to the local residents for ensuring his safety and facilitating his presence, highlighting the political undertones that sometimes accompany public figures' engagements, even in moments of personal tragedy.

The tragic succession of deaths within the Ng'eno family serves as a somber reminder of life's unpredictability and the resilience required in the face of profound loss, a sentiment that resonates across East African societies. This story was first reported by TUKO.