- Former MP Cyrus Jirongo’s memorial service sparked emotional tributes from leaders across the country
- Questions arose over the circumstances of his death, with calls for a comprehensive investigation despite the ongoing probe
- Former CS Moses Kuria explained the importance for offering to buy a torch for Jirongo’s burial
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features in digital and print media.
Nairobi: The memorial service for the late former Lugari Member of Parliament and ex-minister Cyrus Jirongo has drawn emotional tributes from leaders across the political divide.
Source: Facebook
The service was held at CITAM Valley Road on Saturday, December 27, ahead of his burial scheduled for Tuesday, December 30.
Jirongo died on December 13 following a tragic collision with a speeding Climax bus heading to Busia from Nairobi at Karai, Naivasha.
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Was Cyrus Jirongo’s death ordinary?
While the incident was officially reported as a road accident, a section of Kenyans has raised suspicions, suggesting the crash may not have been ordinary.
Jirongo’s allies and family have demanded a thorough probe, with many pointing to possible foul play.
The debate intensified after reports indicated that Jirongo was expected to head to his Gigiri home after meeting National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula at a Karen Oasis Hotel, raising questions about why he drove to Naivasha instead.
Leaders, especially from the Luhya community have been demanding that Jirongo be buried according to Tiriki traditional customs.
The ritual involves placing a lit torch inside the grave; its extinguishing is believed to foreshadow a similar fate for those responsible for the death.
Why will Kuria buy torch for Jirongo’s burial?
During the memorial, former senior advisor to the executive and ex-Cabinet secretary Moses Kuria delivered a heartfelt tribute, recounting his long political journey with Jirongo dating back to the era of the late former president Daniel arap Moi.
“I have known Cyrus for the last 33 years. He was a big thinker who refused to lower the bar even in difficult times. I want to say that we need to have thorough investigations on everything that is questionable. It does not presume guilt on anyone, but the truth is important. I offer to buy the torch in that respect because the truth matters,” Kuria said.
He further praised Jirongo’s commitment to his community and urged the Mulembe leaders to be each other’s keepers.
“It is important. Jirongo loved his people. Each time he got money, he would call us to start calculating for all the 38 constituencies of the Mulembe nation,” he added.
Amid the speculation, Wetang’ula urged Kenyans to exercise restraint and avoid politicising Jirongo’s death.
He emphasised that the tragedy had deeply touched his life and should be honored with dignity.
What did Jirongo tell Murathe before accident?
Meanwhile, while at the same service, Jubilee politician David Murathe read a message Jirongo sent him a day before the tragic crash.
Source: Facebook
According to the text, Jirongo informed Murathe that those who took the Covid-19 jab and are neither drinking alcohol nor smoking will die without warning.
Murathe argued that while people may question Jirongo’s death, when one’s time comes, death is unavoidable—whether through self-harm, accident, or murder.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
