Lede: Former Cabinet minister and ex-Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, 64, died in a head-on car crash in the early hours of Saturday, December 13. The fatal collision occurred on the Nakuru–Nairobi Highway as Jirongo was driving himself home; witnesses say he died at the scene and his white Mercedes-Benz was extensively damaged.
- Fast Facts:
- Age: 64
- Date: December 13 (early morning)
- Cause: Head-on car collision on the Nakuru–Nairobi Highway
- Roles: Former Cabinet Minister for Rural Development; Ex-MP for Lugari
- Location of reaction: Lumakanda, Mbaya village, Kakamega County
Photo credit: Radio 47 / Facebook
A sombre mood settled over Jirongo’s compound in Lumakanda, Mbaya village, as relatives, supporters and neighbours gathered to process the shock. A trending Facebook video showed groups of mourners moving quietly around the compound, some on their phones, others speaking in hushed tones — the scenes capturing a community still coming to terms with sudden loss.
The Legacy
Cyrus Jirongo was a towering and controversial figure in Kenyan politics for more than three decades. Key milestones from his public life include:
- Minister for Rural Development under President Daniel arap Moi — a cabinet role that placed him at the centre of rural policy in the Moi era.
- Member of Parliament for Lugari constituency — a position through which he built a national profile and strong local following.
- Pioneer of the KANU YK ’92 movement and a well-known political organizer; he was also remembered for high-profile campaign gestures and community support, which many Kenyans recalled in their tributes.
Social Proof: Reactions and Tributes
Social media filled quickly with condolences and personal memories. Supporters and critics alike reflected on Jirongo’s impact and the abruptness of his death. Reactions published on TUKO.co.ke included:
“I’ve finally made peace with the fact that we’re here just to exist for some time and then disappear. Let’s be happy, live our lives fully, and be good to others.” — Samuel’s Success Network
“Early 2010, I was doing promos… I got to this guy’s home unknowingly. He just told me he knows what should be in his home and where to get it. I did not ring any other doorbell after his house that day. I went back home. RIP sir.” — Mullei John
“He is the pioneer of KANU YK 92 with Ruto. He used to dish out KSh 500 notes to electorates… Let him rest in peace.” — Geoffrey Lusweti
Other comments expressed grief and cautionary notes about road safety, with several users recounting moments when Jirongo lightened public gatherings — including stories from his daughter Lorraine’s burial where he eased mourners with humour.
This death follows months after the burial of his daughter, Lorraine Elizabeth Khalamwa Jelagat Jirongo, and comes as the nation reflects on both his public service and private losses.
What happened next: Authorities and family members are expected to issue fuller statements; investigations into the crash were reported as ongoing. President William Ruto and other national figures have publicly acknowledged the loss and offered condolences.
Source: TUKO.co.ke. Reporting by John Green.
Image Referance: https://www.tuko.co.ke/people/family/612555-sadness-cyrus-jirongos-home-family-friends-learn-death-kenyans-comfort-them/