Speaking on Saturday evening during a requiem mass held at CITAM Valley Road in Nairobi, Murathe described Jirongo as a rare political mobiliser whose influence stretched far beyond his elective seat.
The service was attended by family members, politicians, business leaders and friends who gathered to celebrate the life of the businessman-turned-politician.
At the time, the ruling Kenya African National Union (KANU) was deeply divided, with several senior leaders positioning themselves to succeed Moi.
Murathe recalled that while many politicians openly declared interest in the presidency, it was Jirongo who quietly worked behind the scenes to shape the final outcome within the party.
He said Jirongo used his close access to Moi to influence the succession debate at a critical moment.
“It was Jirongo who made Uhuru president,” Murathe told mourners.
“He stuck very close to Nyayo and pushed matters to a point where President Moi openly declared that everyone in the party was interested. That process eventually opened the door for Uhuru Kenyatta to be settled on as the KANU flag bearer.”
Uhuru would later go on to face the late President Mwai Kibaki in the 2002 General Election, a contest that marked a major turning point in Kenya’s political history.
Although KANU lost that election, Murathe argued that the experience laid the foundation for Uhuru’s long-term political rise, which culminated in his election as president a decade later.
Beyond politics, Murathe painted Jirongo as an exceptional businessman with a sharp mind for deals and negotiations.
He said Jirongo had an extraordinary ability to conceptualise large-scale projects and reduce complex agreements to simple, workable ideas.
“He could craft a multimillion-dollar deal using just a pen and paper,” Murathe said.
“Some deals were grounded, others were ambitious, but he always believed big and thought big.”
Murathe revealed that Jirongo remained active in business until his final days.
“It was Jirongo who made Uhuru president,” Murathe told mourners.
“He stuck very close to Nyayo and pushed matters to a point where President Moi openly declared that everyone in the party was interested. That process eventually opened the door for Uhuru Kenyatta to be settled on as the KANU flag bearer.”
Uhuru would later go on to face the late President Mwai Kibaki in the 2002 General Election, a contest that marked a major turning point in Kenya’s political history.
Although KANU lost that election, Murathe argued that the experience laid the foundation for Uhuru’s long-term political rise, which culminated in his election as president a decade later.
Beyond politics, Murathe painted Jirongo as an exceptional businessman with a sharp mind for deals and negotiations.
He said Jirongo had an extraordinary ability to conceptualise large-scale projects and reduce complex agreements to simple, workable ideas.
“He could craft a multimillion-dollar deal using just a pen and paper,” Murathe said.
“Some deals were grounded, others were ambitious, but he always believed big and thought big.”
Murathe revealed that Jirongo remained active in business until his final days.
According to him, the former legislator was involved in discussions around the reconstruction of Libya, a major real estate project in Ruai, and a carbon credits initiative linked to Uganda.
He added that Jirongo frequently spoke about regional cooperation and Africa’s place in the global economy.
“These were not small dreams,” Murathe said.
“He wanted Africa to benefit from global systems like carbon trading, and he believed Kenya could be a leader in that space.”
Jirongo died following a road accident along the Nakuru–Naivasha highway near the Kerela area, a tragedy that has sparked widespread mourning across the political divide.
Leaders from different parties have described his death as a major loss to the country, citing his courage, independence of thought and willingness to challenge authority.
Murathe said Jirongo’s boldness often put him at odds with powerful interests but noted that his motivation was always rooted in his love for Kenya and his desire for stability and visionary leadership.
“Above all, Cyrus loved this country,” he said.
“He believed in strong institutions, stable leadership and leaders who think beyond the next election.”
As tributes continue to pour in, Jirongo is being remembered not only as a politician, but as a behind-the-scenes power broker whose influence shaped key moments in Kenya’s political journey.
He added that Jirongo frequently spoke about regional cooperation and Africa’s place in the global economy.
“These were not small dreams,” Murathe said.
“He wanted Africa to benefit from global systems like carbon trading, and he believed Kenya could be a leader in that space.”
Jirongo died following a road accident along the Nakuru–Naivasha highway near the Kerela area, a tragedy that has sparked widespread mourning across the political divide.
Leaders from different parties have described his death as a major loss to the country, citing his courage, independence of thought and willingness to challenge authority.
Murathe said Jirongo’s boldness often put him at odds with powerful interests but noted that his motivation was always rooted in his love for Kenya and his desire for stability and visionary leadership.
“Above all, Cyrus loved this country,” he said.
“He believed in strong institutions, stable leadership and leaders who think beyond the next election.”
As tributes continue to pour in, Jirongo is being remembered not only as a politician, but as a behind-the-scenes power broker whose influence shaped key moments in Kenya’s political journey.
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