Mother recalls MP Ngeno’s last prayer before tragedy

A grieving mother on Friday recalled the final prayer she shared with her son, MP Johana Ng’eno, moments before he left home on the helicopter flight that later ended in tragedy.

Speaking during the legislator’s funeral service in Dikirr, Mama Mary told mourners that her son had visited her shortly before departing and asked her to pray for him. She said the request was not unusual, as she regularly prayed for him and the nation.

But this time, the moment would become their last.

Mama Mary said she had just begun praying when the helicopter that had come to pick up the lawmaker arrived nearby, interrupting the quiet moment.

“I was praying for him just like I always do. As I was finishing the prayer, the helicopter that had come to pick him arrived,” she said.

The elderly mother recalled asking her son why he had asked her to pray when the aircraft was already approaching.

“I asked him, ‘So when you asked me to pray, the helicopter was already coming? It has interrupted our prayer,’” she told mourners.

According to Mama Mary, her son calmly reassured her.

“He told me, ‘Yes, it was already on its way, but it is good because God has heard our prayer,’” she said.

Despite the noise from the approaching aircraft, Mama Mary said she reassured him that the prayer still reached God.

“I told him God has heard it even with the noise because after all I was praying to God, not to human beings,” she said.

She added that she never imagined the brief prayer would be the last moment they would share together.

Her remarks moved mourners as the family and residents continued to grapple with the loss of the legislator, who died in a helicopter crash that claimed six lives.

During the service, Mama Mary also appealed to President William Ruto to ensure the parliamentary seat once held by her son remains within the family.

She said the late MP had dedicated himself to serving residents of Emurua Dikirr and helping vulnerable families, including supporting the education of many children.

“My son educated many children and helped many people. I want someone to continue with that work,” she said.

In an emotional appeal, she said she was willing to present any of her children for consideration to succeed the late legislator.

“I will give you all my children, and you will choose whom you want to give the seat. The seat should not go out of our family,” she said.

President William Ruto joined national and local leaders, alongside thousands of residents, in paying their final respects during the funeral service.