“18 Women Were Once Introduced as His Wives” Cyrus Jirongo’s First Wife Painfully Recounts

The life of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo has drawn renewed attention following an emotional account by his first wife, Joan Chemutai Kimeto, as the country prepares for his burial on December 30, 2025.

Her recollection offers a rare look into the private cost of a public life marked by ambition, wealth and controversy.

Jirongo rose during a difficult economic period in the mid-nineteen eighties when jobs and money were scarce.

Even then he stood out as a resourceful entrepreneur who quickly built a comfortable life in Nairobi.

His relationship with Ms Kimeto began when she was fresh from school, and their union was formalised after family negotiations following an early elopement and pregnancy.

His entry into politics in the early nineteen nineties transformed the household.

As chairman of the Youth for Kanu 92 lobby, he gained influence and wealth, and their home became a hub for visitors and supporters.

Business expanded, and the family enjoyed financial stability as he provided for relatives and associates alike.

Trouble followed after the political tide shifted.

State support waned, businesses struggled and debts grew.

During this period Jirongo expanded his family and introduced many women as wives, which deeply affected Ms Kimeto.

At one point she was confronted with the reality of eighteen women being presented as spouses, a development that prompted her to seek distance and pursue studies in the United States.

Despite separations, Ms Kimeto maintained that Jirongo remained committed to his children and treated them equally.

In his final years he lived modestly in Nairobi, relying on a few loyal friends while attempting to rebuild his fortunes.

Their last meeting took place weeks before his death, closing a long chapter defined by love, resilience and personal sacrifice.