“She has the money”: Passaris hits out at Gachagua over Ngeno’s mausoleum plan

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Nairobi Woman Rep Esther Passaris fired back at Rigathi Gachagua after he pledged to fund a mausoleum for the late Johanna Ngeno

- Passaris claimed she was speaking on behalf of widow Nayia Ntutu, who was allegedly abroad with her children at the time of Gachagua's grave visit

- Gachagua made the pledge on August 21 after Ngeno's mother appealed to him at Mogondo village, saying the grave was only covered by a wooden structure

Nairobi County Woman Representative Esther Passaris has come out swinging following Rigathi Gachagua's visit to the grave of the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johanna Ngeno, accusing the former deputy president of making an unnecessary pledge regarding a mausoleum for the fallen politician.

Passaris, speaking to the media, said she was conveying the position of Ngeno's widow, Nayia Ntutu, who was out of the country on holiday with her children at the time.

What did Passaris say about Gachagua's mausoleum pledge?

According to Passaris, Nayia was neither informed about the visit nor in need of any outside financial assistance.

"First of all, she, as the wife, has the money to do the mausoleum for her husband. She does not need any money from Gachagua," Passaris said bluntly.

She then addressed Gachagua directly with an even sharper message:

"She does not need your money, and she does not need your kipindi."

Passaris was visibly irritated as she addressed the media, suggesting that Gachagua's visit may have had ulterior motives beyond paying his respects.

She appeared critical of his remarks about the crash and his broader commentary on deaths in the country, though she stopped short of making specific allegations.

Why did Gachagua offer to build the mausoleum?

Gachagua visited Ngeno's grave at Mogondo village in Narok County on August 21, laying a wreath and paying tribute to a man he described as a personal friend.

During the visit, Ngeno's mother, Mama Mary Temas, made an emotional appeal to the DCP party leader.

Rigathi Gachagua comforts Johana Ng'eno's mother after second son's death: "Will of God is absolute"

She explained that her son's grave remained exposed to the elements, protected only by a simple wooden structure, and that earlier requests to other leaders for help had gone unanswered.

Moved by her plea, Gachagua pledged to personally finance the construction of a modern mausoleum over the grave.

He said he would engage designers to develop the structure and also used the occasion to criticise the government and political leaders he accused of making promises during Ngeno's burial before abandoning the family.

He also reiterated his calls for aviation authorities and security agencies to thoroughly investigate the helicopter crash in February 2026 that claimed Ng'eno's life, raising fresh questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Passaris' comments add another layer of tension to what began as a moment of tribute, turning Gachagua's graveside pledge into a political flashpoint involving the widow, the family and competing claims over who speaks for Ng'eno's legacy.

Ng'eno died in a helicopter crash in February 2026. He had been married to Nayia, who comes from a prominent political family in Narok, since August 2018.

Watch the video below:

Did Johanna Ng’eno’s brother also pass away?

TUKO.co.ke also reported that Paul Ng’eno, the elder brother of the late MP Ng’eno, died on August 21, just hours after Gachagua’s visit to the family home.

Paul had been battling health complications following a motorbike accident.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

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