- In an interview, Senator George Khaniri shared the final hours of Cyrus Jirongo in Nairobi before the Naivasha crash
- He explained the former MP’s alleged drinking habits and clarified rumours around the Mercedes-Benz he died in
- Khaniri disclosed the injuries he witnessed on the former lawmaker’s body while retrieving it from the scene of the accident
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features in digital and print media.
The death of former Lugari Member of Parliament and ex-Cabinet minister Cyrus Jirongo has continued to raise fresh questions as new details emerge about his final hours before the fatal road crash.
Source: Facebook
Jirongo died in a tragic accident in the Karai area, Naivasha, while reportedly driving back to Nairobi, an incident that has left both family members and political allies demanding a thorough investigation.
According to the driver of a Climax bus involved in the crash, the accident occurred when Jirongo’s vehicle allegedly veered into the bus’s lane while attempting to overtake, leading to an unavoidable collision.
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Why was Jirongo meeting with Moses Wetang’ula?
However, the circumstances surrounding the crash have sparked debates, particularly after revelations from Vihiga senator George Khaniri, a close friend of the late politician.
Speaking about Jirongo’s final moments, Khaniri disclosed that he saw him earlier that evening at the Karen Oasis Hotel, where he was in a meeting with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, the owner of the hotel, and another person whom he did not recognise.
Khaniri said he noticed the two leaders from a distance but did not interrupt the meeting as he was rushing to attend another engagement.
“I saw him seated with Speaker Wetang’ula, but I did not stop to talk to them as I was heading to another meeting,” Khaniri said.
The senator revealed that he later spoke to Jirongo at around 11pm on the same night, advising him to go home and rest since they had planned to meet the following day.
During that conversation, Jirongo reportedly explained that he was discussing business matters with Wetang’ula, specifically regarding potential collaboration with a sacco affiliated with parliament.
“He told me he was meeting the speaker because there was a business deal he wanted to pursue with one of the saccos in parliament. He wanted to be introduced to the sacco leadership and the relevant people,” Khaniri stated.
Khaniri, who also retrieved Jirongo’s body from the accident scene, shed light on the late leader’s driving habits.
He said Jirongo often preferred to drive himself, especially in the evenings, after releasing his driver to rest as early as 6pm.
“About 98% of his hangouts, he drove himself. However, he would never drive when intoxicated. During the day, he moved around with his driver, but in the evenings, he preferred to drive himself,” Khaniri explained.
Source: Facebook
What injuries did Jirongo’s body have?
Describing the condition of Jirongo’s body, Khaniri gave a grim account of the injuries he witnessed.
He said the late politician’s legs were completely broken at the ankles, one hand was fractured, and there were minor scratches on his face, including two on the chin and one above the eye.
“The facial injuries were minor and could not have caused death,” he said, adding that at Lee Funeral Home, only the face was visible, as the rest of the body had been sealed.
Khaniri called on the government to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding Jirongo’s death, arguing that his condition and the accident scene raised serious questions.
He also appealed for compensation for Jirongo’s encroached land, saying the proceeds would help support his children who are still in school.
Should Jirongo be accorded state burial?
Meanwhile, Luhya elders are advocating for a state funeral for Jirongo, citing his significant contributions to Kenya’s development and political landscape.
Luhya Council of Elders Likuyani branch secretary general Cyprian Shisanya believes this would honour his family and the Luhya community.
The elders recalled Jirongo uniting the community and facilitating development in Western Kenya under the late former president Daniel Moi’s leadership, suggesting his potential was curtailed.
Jirongo’s burial is scheduled for Tuesday, December 30, at his home in Lumakanda, Kakamega county, where burial plans are underway.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
