The National Assembly has paid tribute to the late Member of Parliament for Emurua Dikirr Constituency, Hon. Johana Ng’eno Kipyegon, following his untimely death in a helicopter crash in Nandi County.

The tributes followed a formal Communication from the Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula, who informed the House of the tragedy and reflected on the late legislator’s life, service, and legacy.

“I wish to formally report to the House the passing of the Member for Emurua Dikirr Constituency, the late Hon. Johana Ng’eno Kipyegon, who lost his life on the evening of Saturday, 28 February 2026, following a tragic helicopter crash,” the Speaker said.

Hon. Ng’eno perished alongside five others: Lt. Col. (Rtd.) George Were, the pilot; Nicholas Kiplangat Koskei; Amos Kipngetich Rotich; Robert Kipkoech Keter; and Wycliffe Kiprotich Rono.

Born in Narok County in 1972, Hon. Ng’eno built a strong academic and professional foundation, earning qualifications in international law, international studies, and law. He was admitted to the Bar as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya in 2025.

Serving his third consecutive term since his first election in 2013, he was remembered as a diligent legislator, a firm advocate for justice, and a dependable voice for his constituents. Over the years, he served in several committees, including Justice and Legal Affairs, Public Investments, the NG CDF Committee, and Powers and Privileges.

At the time of his death, he chaired the Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning, and Public Works and was a member of the Liaison Committee.

Speaker Wetang’ula noted that Hon. Ng’eno played a central role in advancing legislation linked to affordable housing under the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. He also sponsored the Quantity Surveyors Bill, 2026, aimed at strengthening professionalism and regulation in the sector.

Beyond Parliament, Members described him as deeply connected to the people of Emurua Dikirr Constituency. He championed education initiatives, facilitated school transport, supported needy students through bursaries, assisted vulnerable families, and founded the Kalenjin Music Festival to nurture local talent.

“In his passing, this House has lost a devoted legislator, a mentor, and a servant leader who always put his people first,” the Speaker said, while conveying condolences on behalf of Parliament and the Parliamentary Service Commission.

Kitui West MP Hon. Edith Nyenze said the late MP’s life carried enduring lessons on youth leadership, courage, and selflessness.

Kiharu MP Hon.  Ndindi Nyoro, on his part, described him as a fearless defender of citizens’ rights. “He consistently chose the people over power. That is the leadership we should all strive to emulate,” he said.

Kitutu Chache MP, Hon. Japhet Nyakundi, praised Hon. Ng’eno’s resolve in pushing forward the affordable housing programme, noting that he remained accessible and trusted by his constituents.

To coordinate funeral arrangements, the Speaker constituted an Ad Hoc Parliamentary Funeral Planning Committee chaired by Tinderet MP Hon. Julius Melly, with Buuri MP Hon. Mugambi Rindikiri serving as Vice Chairperson. Other Members of the Committee include Hon. Julius Sunkuli, EGH, MP, Hon. Oscar Sudi, MP, Hon. Brighton Yegon, CBS, MP, Hon. (Eng.) Mark Nyamita, MP, Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba, HSC, MP, Hon. Kitilai Ole Ntutu, MP, Hon. Rebecca Tonkei, MP, Hon. Kakai Bisau, MP, Hon. Joseph Cherorot, MP, Hon. Victor Koech, MP, Sen. Wafula Wakoli, CBS, MP, Sen. Hillary Sigei, CBS, MP, and Sen. Eddy Oketch, MP.

A requiem service will be held at Africa Gospel Church Karen, followed by services in Emurua Dikirr ahead of his interment at his rural home.

As the sitting closed, Speaker Wetang’ula urged Members to stand in solidarity with the family and honour the late MP’s legacy of service.

“May his soul, and the souls of those who perished alongside him, rest in eternal peace,” he said.