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President William Ruto has expressed profound sorrow over the death of his friend and former Lugari MP, Cyrus Jirongo.
In a statement, the President described Jirongo as “a relentless go-getter, a seasoned businessman, and a consummate politician who refused to be defined or defeated by life’s challenges.” He added that Jirongo “was a fighter in every sense: candid yet warm, bold yet approachable, enlightened, and endlessly entrepreneurial.”
“Above all, he was remarkably generous—always ready to give, uplift, and support others with his time, resources, and belief,” President Ruto said, paying tribute to Jirongo’s fearless approach to life and politics.
“Never one to shy away from a tough stand or ambitious idea, he lived on his own terms and left a lasting mark on our political landscape,” the President added, offering condolences to Jirongo’s family and friends.
Jirongo died on Saturday morning, December 13, 2025, following a head-on collision with a bus in Karai, Naivasha, Nakuru County. He was driving alone to his rural home in Lugari, Kakamega, when the crash occurred around 3:00 a.m. along the busy Nairobi–Nakuru Highway.
READ ALSO: Bus Driver Explains What Really Happened Before Jirongo Died
Police confirmed the vehicle was extensively damaged and investigations are ongoing. His body was later moved to the local mortuary, where friends and relatives paid their respects.
Several other leaders also expressed grief over his passing. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula described Jirongo’s death as shocking and mourned his significant impact on Kenyan politics, particularly as a trailblazing youth leader in the 1990s.
KANU chairman Gideon Moi remembered Jirongo as a bold politician and devoted family man.
“He was proud of his family and carried that sense of responsibility into everything he did. Over the years, we shared many moments; he was always candid, humorous, confident, and loyal,” Moi said.
He highlighted Jirongo’s honesty, courage, and visible influence in public life, especially during KANU’s final years as the ruling party.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi canceled his birthday celebrations in honor of Jirongo, calling him “a good man at heart, an astute politician who spoke uncomfortable truths and was generous to the core.”
ODM leader Oburu Odinga also conveyed condolences, describing Jirongo’s passing as “a great loss” and expressing solidarity with his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.
