Former Cabinet Minister and Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo was laid to rest today, December 30, 2025, at his Lumakanda farm in Lugari, Kakamega County, concluding a week of mourning marked by persistent questions surrounding his death.
Jirongo, 64, died on December 13 after his vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with a bus along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway near Karai, Naivasha.
Government pathologist Johansen Oduor confirmed that Jirongo succumbed to severe blunt force trauma sustained during the crash.
The burial ceremony, attended by a host of political leaders including retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, was overshadowed by renewed calls for a thorough inquiry into the circumstances of his demise.
Former Vihiga Senator George Khaniri, a close friend of Jirongo, openly questioned the official narrative, stating, “My brother had no plans to go to Naivasha. I can vouch for that”.
Khaniri also revealed that Jirongo’s family had commissioned an independent investigator, whose preliminary findings suggest two unidentified individuals were in Jirongo’s car before the crash but were not found at the scene.
A striking element of the funeral was the use of a burning spotlight, or torch, by some mourners – a tradition observed by certain Tiriki and Luhya sub-groups when a death’s circumstances are contested.
Fred Gumo, chairman of the burial committee, defended the ritual as a symbolic plea for accountability, stating, “All the family is asking for is a thorough investigation into his death; if that does not happen, then the torch will work”.
Former CS Moses Kuria even offered to provide the torch, emphasizing the need for truth. However, the practice has sparked debate, with some community leaders arguing it does not reflect mainstream Tiriki customs.
Jirongo’s wife, Anne Jirongo, also expressed disbelief, noting that her husband had no travel plans to Naivasha on the night he died.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has ruled out foul play in some aspects, but Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed forensic investigations are ongoing.
Also Read: https://www.kdrtv.co.ke/news/former-mp-cyrus-jirongo-dies-in-road-accident/
