Former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo is dead.
The outspoken politician and businessman lost his life in a tragic morning car accident on the Nairobi–Nakuru highway.
Known for his bold personality and multi-ethnic family, Jirongo’s death has triggered widespread mourning across Kenya.
The Accident That Claimed His Life
According to Rift Valley Traffic Enforcement Officer Sarah Chumo, Jirongo was involved in a head-on collision along one of the country’s busiest highways.
Authorities confirmed that he sustained critical injuries and later succumbed before he could be stabilized.
Investigations later revealed that Jirongo was driving his Mercedes Benz, registration number KCZ 350 S, at the time of the accident. The vehicle suffered extensive damage and was taken for inspection as part of standard procedures.
The driver of the bus involved in the crash later spoke to authorities about what transpired.
According to him, Jirongo’s car had just exited a petrol station and entered the main road without checking for oncoming traffic. “The car came onto the road suddenly. I had to brake immediately to avoid a worse collision,” the bus driver said. He added that he tried to move aside to give Jirongo space, but the safety of his 64 passengers prevented him from taking more drastic action.
“I could not risk the lives of the people on my bus. All I could do was brake, and unfortunately, his car still hit mine,” he explained.
Police continue to investigate the crash to determine all contributing factors, including speed, road conditions, and vehicle performance.
Tributes from Leaders and Colleagues
News of Jirongo’s death spread quickly, eliciting condolences from across the political spectrum. Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) Secretary General Francis Atwoli described him as “an asset to our community and Kenya.” In a statement on December 13, Atwoli expressed shock and sadness, saying, “We loved him but God loved him more.”
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka also paid tribute, noting that Kenya had lost one of its greatest sons. “Death has robbed us of one of our greatest sons. Rest in peace, Hon. Cyrus Jirongo,” he said.
Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi extended condolences to Jirongo’s family, friends, and the people of Lugari, where Jirongo had left a lasting political legacy.
Jirongo’s Political and Business Career
Cyrus Jirongo was born on March 21, 1961, in Lugari, Kakamega County. He served as Lugari MP from 1997 to 2002 and again from 2007 to 2013. Beyond parliamentary work, he was a businessman with interests in real estate and enterprises such as Sololo outlets.
Jirongo’s political ambitions extended to the national stage. In 2013, he declared an interest in running for President before shifting focus to the Kakamega senatorial seat, where he lost to Bonny Khalwale.
His political career was marked by bold statements and controversial moves, making him a prominent figure in Western Kenya and nationally.
A Personal Life of Diversity and Complexity
Jirongo’s personal life drew public attention as much as his political career. He was polygamous, married to four wives from different Kenyan communities, reflecting both personal choice and Kenya’s ethnic diversity.
His first wife, Carolyne, was Kalenjin and the mother of his late daughter, Elizabeth Lorraine Khalamwa.
Jirongo often shared stories about their marriage, describing Carolyne as the most beautiful girl in Kitale at the time. He recalled that their marriage initially went smoothly, and together they had Lorraine as their first child.
However, he admitted that his wandering eye and habit of noticing other women caused tension that Carolyne could not accept, ultimately leading to their separation.
His second wife was Kikuyu, the third Kamba, and the fourth Maasai.
While the names of the last three wives were not widely publicized, Jirongo acknowledged them publicly, emphasizing that these marriages were personal choices rather than political statements.
His family structure illustrated his unconventional approach to life, unbound by societal norms.
Recent Loss and Personal Reflections
Jirongo had already endured personal tragedy earlier in the year with the passing of his daughter, Elizabeth Lorraine Khalamwa, in March.
At her funeral service at AIC Milimani in Nairobi, he shared stories that drew laughter, such as how he met and later parted ways with Carolyne.
His candid reflections revealed a man who could confront his personal shortcomings openly, combining humor with honesty.
Final Moments Captured in Video
A recent video shows Jirongo in what appear to be his final moments, surrounded by friends. In the footage, he is seen smiling and joining others in singing “Mirembe, Mirembe, Mirembe,” a song celebrating peace and togetherness.
The video provides a glimpse into the personal life of a figure often seen in headlines for politics and controversy, highlighting his love for friendship, music, and community.
Observers note that the song’s lyrics, repeated multiple times in the video, reflected a sense of calm and joy shared by those around him.
For many, the clip humanizes Jirongo, showing him as a man who, despite his public persona, valued simple, meaningful moments with those close to him.
A Life Remembered
Cyrus Jirongo’s death marks the sudden end of a life that blended politics, business, controversy, and personal stories. He was remembered as bold, outspoken, and unafraid to live according to his own rules.
His political legacy, multi-ethnic family, and candid approach to life ensured that he remained a recognizable and influential figure in Kenyan public life.
As investigations into the accident continue, his friends, family, and followers are left to mourn a man whose life was as complex as it was public.
From tragic losses to moments of joy and camaraderie, the story of Cyrus Jirongo captures a life lived fully, if not always quietly, leaving an indelible mark on the nation he served and the communities he touched.
