Speaking during the service, Ntutu said he had lost not only a political ally but also a close family member.
“This is the saddest day of my life. I lost my son-in-law, who is the husband to my daughter, Johana,” he said while conveying condolences on behalf of the people of Narok.
The governor also mourned the death of his personal officer Rono, who was among those killed in the crash, alongside the pilot and other young men from Narok County.
“I’ve also lost my employee Rono, who was my personal officer. All these young men lying here are from my county, even the pilot,” he said.
Ntutu said Ng’eno had remained a close ally and one of his political pillars over the years, frequently visiting Narok and maintaining close ties with leaders across the region.
“In several occasions he’s been in my county, so I knew him well. When I heard the news of a chopper crash, I had to travel immediately. It was one of my lowest moments in life because the owner, Ng’eno, was one of my political pillars,” he said.
He recalled receiving a call from the legislator on the morning of the crash, during which Ng’eno told him he planned to travel to Nandi and later issue bursary cheques to needy students in Kapsasain Ward, and invited him to join.
Ntutu said he told the MP he was far away, in Maji Moto, Narosura, but Ng’eno laughed off the distance and offered to pick him in his helicopter.
“As normal, mheshimiwa Ng’eno laughed and told me, ‘Governor, I have a chopper, I can pick you and then you can join me later.’ Little did I know that was the last day I was going to talk to my friend and son-in-law,” he said.
The memorial service brought together leaders from across the political divide, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, whom Ntutu thanked for swiftly forming a committee to coordinate support and movement from Uasin Gishu to Nairobi after the crash.
“I want to thank the Honourable Speaker because when he heard, he formed a committee which really helped from Uasin Gishu to Nairobi. And even Honourable Nelly, we were together with them from the word go,” he said.
Ntutu also thanked leaders and residents of Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties for standing with the bereaved families in the aftermath of the tragedy.
“To the people of Kenya, we have lost a man who has done so much for his people. Death is very cruel,” he said.
The late MP was remembered as a leader keen on education and youth empowerment, with the planned bursary event cited as a reflection of his commitment to supporting needy students. Investigations into the cause of the helicopter crash are ongoing.
