Gachagua takes over construction of Johana Ng'eno's grave after mother's plea

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Mary Temas, mother of the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng'eno, appealed to Gachagua during his condolence visit to the family home five months after the MP's death

- Temas told Gachagua that previous attempts to get Ng'eno's allies, most of them in President Ruto's government, to address her two requests had come to nothing

- Gachagua also pledged to assist Ng'eno's surviving brother, who remains hospitalised

Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua visited the home of the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng'eno Friday, August 21, to pay his respects.

This five months after the lawmaker's death. Gachagua arrived at Ng'eno's Mogondo home in Kericho County alongside allies from the Mt Kenya region to lay wreaths at the gravesite and offer condolences to the family.

At the graveside, Ng'eno's mother, Mary Temas, seized the moment to make an emotional appeal to Gachagua, asking him to erect a protective structure over her son's grave and to extend financial assistance to her only surviving son, who is currently receiving treatment in hospital.

Mary Temas's Plea to Gachagua

Temas told Gachagua that she had long sought help from people she considered close to her late son, particularly those now serving in President William Ruto's administration, but that none had responded to her requests.

"I want this place to be built well so that the rains will not spoil it, yet we have people who can build it. I had requested those who were here before to build this grave but they did not, so I want to request you to do it. And also I want you to help another son of mine who is in hospital. I had two sons, and the surviving one is in hospital. I want you to help him to be out of hospital," Temas said, addressing Gachagua directly.

Gachagua Pledges to Honour Both Requests

Gachagua responded without hesitation, committing to personally finance the construction of a mausoleum-like structure over Ng'eno's grave once a suitable design had been drawn up.

"I have heard your request. If we can find someone who will design the way our mother wants, I will personally take the responsibility of constructing the grave because the leader lying here was my friend. And if our mother has requested we build a beautiful place for Ng'eno, I will do it as her son. I just want someone to design it, and I will take over from there. I will also help Ng'eno's brother who is in hospital," Gachagua said.

Gachagua described the late MP as a personal friend and framed his pledge as a duty he owed both to Ng'eno's memory and to his grieving mother.

Ng'eno, who represented the Emurua Dikirr constituency in Narok County, was a vocal figure in Kenyan politics known for his outspoken positions.

He died in a chopper crash on February 28 in Nandi County.

His death left a significant void in the constituency, and his mother's appeal to Gachagua underscored the family's sense of abandonment by those who had been closest to the MP during his lifetime.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.