The circumstances surrounding the tragic death of former minister and ex-Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo continue to raise questions as new details emerge about the accident that claimed his life.
A fresh witness account from a security guard at a local petrol station contradicts an earlier statement made by the driver of the 65-seater bus involved in the crash.
The guard, Ephraim Cheptek, has provided crucial insights that challenge the initial narrative, which suggested that Jirongo had been overtaking another vehicle when the collision occurred.
Cheptek, who was on duty at the petrol station when the accident happened, said he was the only one awake and alert at the time of the crash, which took place at around 3 a.m. His version of the events paints a picture that significantly differs from the driver's account.
"Wakati alipogongwa na basi, mimi pekee ndiyo nilikuwa nimeamka, na niliona kila kitu kilivyokuwa." (At the time when he was hit by the bus, I was the only one awake, and I saw everything that happened), Cheptek said.
According to the security guard, Jirongo entered the petrol station in an unusual manner, almost as if he intended to refuel his car. However, despite slowing down as he approached the pumps, he abruptly drove off without fueling his vehicle and rejoined the highway. Cheptek emphasized that this was an odd move.
"Alipoingia kwenye kituo cha mafuta, alichelewa, na wakati alikuwa karibu kujaza mafuta, aliondoka ghafla na akaenda barabarani. Hali aliyokuja nayo ilikuwa ya ajabu." (When he entered the petrol station, he slowed down, and when he was about to refuel, he suddenly drove off and joined the road. The way he approached was unusual), the guard explained.
Cheptek also disputed claims that the road was congested at the time of the crash, noting that the highway was clear, with no traffic buildup on either side. He further clarified that no vehicle had been trailing Jirongo’s Mercedes before the incident.
"Barabara ilikuwa tulivu, hakukuwa na msongamano wa magari, na ni baada ya ajali ndipo magari yalipoanza kujaa, na hivyo kusababisha msongamano mkubwa." (The road was calm, there was no traffic, and it was after the accident that vehicles began to line up, causing a huge traffic jam), Cheptek added.
These details sharply contradict the account given by the driver of the ill-fated bus, who had earlier stated that Jirongo had been driving out of the petrol station when he noticed a traffic jam in his lane. The driver claimed that Jirongo decided to overtake, which led to the fatal collision.
On December 13, the bus driver insisted that the accident was avoidable, stating that he saw Jirongo’s vehicle overtaking and realized there was no way to avoid the crash. He said he had no option but to stop the bus and allow Jirongo’s car to ram into him.
"Nilipoona gari lake likinitangulia, nilijua kuwa hakuna njia ya kuepuka ajali hii, kwa hivyo nilisimamisha basi langu ili ajali iweze kutokea. Nilijua baadaye kuwa aliyepoteza maisha ni Mheshimiwa Jirongo." (When I saw his vehicle overtaking, I knew there was no way to avoid the accident, so I stopped my bus to allow the crash to happen. I later learned that the person who died was Hon. Jirongo), the driver recounted.
This new version of events, particularly the observations from Cheptek, raises further questions about the crash and whether it could have been prevented. Investigators will likely have to revisit the details surrounding the accident in light of these conflicting testimonies.
