It is painful to pen this tribute to a great leader of our time, my great friend, confidant and political soul mate Hon. Ng’eno.
Death has robbed the people of Kenya and the gallant Kipsigis community a brave, courageous, focused, brilliant and selfless leader who gave his all for his for his people.
Ngong, the man, you taught me to be unashamed of defending the interests of one’s community and people; who doesn’t have an origin?
You were unbowed and resolute in championing the interests of the Kipsigis community, a hardworking community that has been marginalized and demeaned for decades.
A community, despite having the most productive soils in the country and blessed with rains by God throughout the years, have suffered from neglect and unspeakable suppression lacking roads, electricity and water.
You shared with me the pain and frustration of the community, who despite having very educated sons and daughters have deliberately been denied the opportunity to serve Kenyans for far too long.
I felt you as you suffered isolation and humiliation for standing with your community.
Many times I had intervene to save you from further humiliation as you were physically denied access to State House by power brokers, strongmen, mafia and pretenders to the throne.
I am a proud friend as I stood firm with you when they wanted to stop you from being Chairman of the Departmental Committee of Housing.
I am abhorred by the hypocrisy of your tormentors.
I have seen your tormentors who hunted you like an antelope shedding crocodile tears and shamelessly pretending to mourn your death.
I would have wanted to come and bury you but my principles can’t allow me to sit with those who tormented and persecuted you in life as they pretend to love you in death.
I feel for your young family and the Kipsigis community and the people of Emurua Dikirr constituency.
May almighty God give your young family comfort and fortitude as they come to terms with the reality of your untimely departure.
To the orphaned Kipsigis community, for the loss of your kingpin, may the Lord have mercy on you and give you another brave leader to champion your interests the way my departed friend the Hon. Johanna Ng’eno did. Rest in peace my friend, the hero of our time and until we meet again.
