Weeks after Jirongo lost his life in a road accident in Naivasha, speculation continues to swirl online and in political circles, fuelled by conflicting eyewitness accounts and renewed calls for deeper investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Jirongo died in the early hours of the morning after the Mercedes-Benz he was travelling in was involved in a head-on collision with a long-distance bus along the Nairobi–Nakuru highway.
Authorities initially reported the incident as a traffic accident, but questions have persisted, particularly following differing statements from the bus driver, a petrol station guard who reportedly interacted with Jirongo shortly before the crash, and the bus company itself.
Notably, none of the passengers who were travelling aboard the bus at the time of the accident have publicly recorded statements, a gap that has further fuelled public curiosity and suspicion.
As the uncertainty continues, some leaders and members of the public—particularly from Jirongo’s community—have suggested involving elders and traditional practices to help uncover the truth behind his death.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi added a cultural dimension to the debate after suggesting that Jirongo be buried according to Tiriki customs, which include placing a lit torch on the grave.
According to traditional belief, the extinguishing of the torch is seen as symbolic justice for unexplained deaths.
The remarks drew mixed reactions online, with some Kenyans supporting the idea as part of cultural expression, while others criticised it as sensational and inappropriate.
Speaking during a condolence visit to Jirongo’s home in Lumakanda, Wetang’ula urged Kenyans to show empathy and allow the family to grieve with dignity.
The Speaker revealed that he was among the last people to spend time with the former lawmaker before his final journey, describing their friendship as one that spanned more than three decades.
“This is a death that has touched me personally,” Wetang’ula said, noting that he had shared a meal with Jirongo shortly before the fatal trip.
“When you lose someone you were with only hours earlier, it leaves a deep wound.”
He cautioned leaders and the public against turning the tragedy into political theatre, stressing that while public debate may continue, the weight of loss is borne most heavily by Jirongo’s family.
“In African tradition, we stand with grieving families early, because the real pain is carried by widows and children,” he added.
The condolence visit attracted several political figures, including Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah and Siaya Governor James Orengo, both of whom raised questions about unresolved aspects of the incident.
Wajackoyah questioned CCTV footage allegedly showing another vehicle entering a petrol station moments after Jirongo, as well as the absence of public accounts from bus passengers.
Orengo, who said he had previously represented Jirongo legally, claimed the former MP had long faced political pressure, arguing that his influence and generosity made him a figure of interest within national politics.
While calling for thorough investigations, Orengo emphasised that any search for truth must follow legal and institutional processes rather than speculation.
As investigations continue, close associates of Jirongo have appealed for patience, urging Kenyans to allow authorities to complete their work without undue pressure or politicisation.
Jirongo is remembered by allies as a generous mobiliser, a fearless politician, and a man deeply invested in community causes. For his family, however, the focus remains on mourning their loss and preserving his dignity in death.
The remarks drew mixed reactions online, with some Kenyans supporting the idea as part of cultural expression, while others criticised it as sensational and inappropriate.
Speaking during a condolence visit to Jirongo’s home in Lumakanda, Wetang’ula urged Kenyans to show empathy and allow the family to grieve with dignity.
The Speaker revealed that he was among the last people to spend time with the former lawmaker before his final journey, describing their friendship as one that spanned more than three decades.
“This is a death that has touched me personally,” Wetang’ula said, noting that he had shared a meal with Jirongo shortly before the fatal trip.
“When you lose someone you were with only hours earlier, it leaves a deep wound.”
He cautioned leaders and the public against turning the tragedy into political theatre, stressing that while public debate may continue, the weight of loss is borne most heavily by Jirongo’s family.
“In African tradition, we stand with grieving families early, because the real pain is carried by widows and children,” he added.
The condolence visit attracted several political figures, including Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah and Siaya Governor James Orengo, both of whom raised questions about unresolved aspects of the incident.
Wajackoyah questioned CCTV footage allegedly showing another vehicle entering a petrol station moments after Jirongo, as well as the absence of public accounts from bus passengers.
While calling for thorough investigations, Orengo emphasised that any search for truth must follow legal and institutional processes rather than speculation.
As investigations continue, close associates of Jirongo have appealed for patience, urging Kenyans to allow authorities to complete their work without undue pressure or politicisation.
Jirongo is remembered by allies as a generous mobiliser, a fearless politician, and a man deeply invested in community causes. For his family, however, the focus remains on mourning their loss and preserving his dignity in death.
0 Comments