Former Cabinet Minister and Lugari MP, Cyrus Jirongo, was reportedly concerned about his personal safety in the weeks leading up to his untimely death, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua revealed on Saturday, December 27.
Speaking during Jirongo’s farewell ceremony at CITAM Valley Road in Nairobi, Karua described the late politician as a long-time friend and dedicated public servant who was taking steps to enhance his personal security.
“Cyrus had concerns about his safety, and he was actually making arrangements to better secure himself,” Karua said.
She added that questions surrounding Jirongo’s death would continue to arise unless the government made substantial progress in its investigations.
Karua also remembered Jirongo as a selfless leader who was committed to the well-being of the country.
“The accidents came before this time, so naturally these questions will linger. For now, we stand with the family and bid farewell to a person with a large heart,” she stated.
The late politician had previously collaborated with Karua on various political initiatives. She noted that their planned projects and political cooperation would continue despite his passing.
“We met years ago while assisting a mutual friend, and later in Parliament. We had plans to collaborate going forward, and his passing will not stop that vision,” Karua explained.
During the memorial service, Chama cha Kazi Party leader Moses Kuria also paid tribute to Jirongo and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
In a traditional gesture, Kuria offered to purchase a customary ‘torch’ to be buried alongside Jirongo. In some communities in Western Kenya, a torch buried with the deceased is believed to reveal the identity of perpetrators once it extinguishes.
Cyrus Jirongo, who served as Cabinet Minister during President Daniel Moi’s era and represented Lugari in Parliament, died in a tragic road accident on Saturday, December 13, along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway.
His death sparked widespread mourning and controversy, with some questioning whether it was an accident or a deliberate act.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has since taken over the inquiry, examining the accident in detail and interviewing all involved parties, including the driver of the PSV bus that collided with Jirongo’s car.
Investigators are also analyzing the late MP’s mobile phone to piece together his final movements and actions.
Preliminary information from CCTV footage near the accident site indicates that Jirongo’s white saloon car arrived at a station from the Nairobi side at 2:18 a.m., bypassed fuel pumps, and executed a quick U-turn 34 seconds later.
Moments later, at 2:19 a.m., a 65-seater bus travelling at high speed towards Nakuru collided head-on with his vehicle.
Karua described Jirongo as a dedicated public servant, committed to unity, progress, and peace. She stressed that despite his controversial reputation in politics, his focus was always on the betterment of Kenya.
The memorial service brought together family, friends, and political figures who celebrated Jirongo’s life as a politician, businessman, and visionary leader.
Colleagues remembered him as courageous, independent, and willing to challenge authority for the greater good.
Jirongo will be laid to rest on Tuesday, December 30, at his home in Lumakanda, Lugari, Kakamega County.
Jirongo will be laid to rest on Tuesday, December 30, at his home in Lumakanda, Lugari, Kakamega County.
His passing has left a significant void in Kenya’s political and social landscape, with leaders across the spectrum acknowledging his contributions.
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