"Karibu home": Johana Ng'eno's mum welcomes Gachagua to her home on video call
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- A video circulating online shows the late MP Johana Ng'eno's elderly mother being introduced to Rigathi Gachagua via video call
- Ng'eno, who represented Emurua Dikirr for three consecutive terms, died on February 28 in a helicopter crash alongside five others
- The warm family gathering moment has drawn attention online, with some Kenyans urging Gachagua not to politicise the encounter
A touching video circulating on social media shows the elderly mother of the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng'eno being introduced to former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua via video call, with the old woman warmly welcoming him to visit her home.
In the clip, a family member holds up a smartphone displaying a video chat labelled DP towards the seated elderly woman, while other relatives relax nearby in what appears to be a modest family living room.
Gachagua's voice comes through the phone as he greets the woman, calling her 'mama' and expressing joy at finally meeting her.
She responds warmly, telling him he is welcome to come to the house, and the exchange carries a genuinely affectionate tone throughout.
Who was Johana Ng'eno?
Ng'eno was one of Kenya's most recognisable grassroots politicians, having served as the Member of Parliament for Emurua Dikirr Constituency in Narok County for three consecutive terms from 2013 until his death.
He built a reputation as a fierce and outspoken leader, particularly vocal on issues of land rights and local development in the region.
On February 28, Ng'eno perished alongside five other people in a tragic helicopter crash, sending shockwaves across the country and leaving his constituency without its long-serving representative.
Gachagua's outreach sparks reaction
The video has caught the attention of many Kenyans online, with some questioning the timing and intent of the call.
A section of the public urged Gachagua not to use the grieving family's moment for political mileage, particularly given the circumstances surrounding his own political standing following his impeachment as DP.
The Emurua Dikirr by-election that followed Ng'eno's passing was won by a candidate from President William Ruto's UDA party, signalling that the ruling party retained a firm grip on the constituency despite the political turbulence at the national level.
Watch the moment Ng'eno's mother is introduced to Gachagua on the video call:
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.