- Questions continue to emerge about the accident that killed Cyrus Jirongo weeks after his death, as conflicting accounts continue to emerge.
- Calls for traditional practices and demands for greater scrutiny have divided public opinion
- The Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, has called for caution, warning against turning the tragedy into politics as leaders demand answers
Several weeks after the tragic death of the former Member of Parliament for Lugari Cyrus Jirongo, rumors continue to circulate on the internet about the circumstances surrounding the accident that cost him his life.
Source: UGC
Jirongo died in a road accident at eight in the morning after the Mercedes-Benz he was traveling in collided head-on with a Climax Coaches bus in Naivasha.
Although the incident was officially reported as a road accident, some Kenyans believe the accident was unusual.
Detectives are still trying to piece together Jirongo’s final moments, amid conflicting accounts from the bus driver, a security guard who witnessed the events at the gas station shortly before the crash, and the bus company itself.
With that in mind, none of the passengers in the Climax Coaches bus have ever publicly given details about the incident.
Why do some Kenyans want Jirongo to be buried with torches?
As inquiries continue, some Kenyans, especially from the Jirongo community, have suggested involving family elders to help unravel what they believe is a mystery about his death.
Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi added to the discussion through a post on X, suggesting that Jirongo be buried following traditional Kitiriki traditions.
The tradition involves placing a lit torch over the grave, in the belief that when it goes out, those responsible for the death will suffer the same fate.
“Jirongo should be buried with a torch. If it goes out, put it out with someone’s name. Where is the problem? Why are some people afraid of this torch? I am the first to come with my torch! Kenya needs revival,Amisi wrote.
Wetang’ula’s request to Kenyans regarding Jirongo’s death
However, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula urged Kenyans to be cautious, respect the grieving family, and avoid turning Jirongo’s death into a political spectacle.
Wetang’ula spoke when he visited Jirongo’s home in Lumakanda to console the family, revealing that he was among the last people to see the MP alive.
“I was among the last people to meet Jirongo before his last road accident in Naivasha. Our friendship lasted for more than three decades, starting in 1988 when I was a wakil,” he later wrote on Facebook.
The speaker said the death touched him deeply, explaining that they were together shortly before Jirongo started his last journey.
“That’s what hurts me the most. Think of the person you were with, you shared a meal, you split up on your way home, and then the next morning you are told that he is no longer there. It touches me personally. That’s why when I’m here I don’t want to be cheered or laughed at. This death has touched my personal life,” said Wetang’ula.
Why did Wetang’ula visit Jirongo’s house before the funeral
He explained that visiting the family before the funeral is part of African traditions.
“Considering African traditions, we must stand with families who mourn early, remembering that the greatest pain is borne by widows and children,” he added.
Wetang’ula mourned Jirongo as a kind and generous person who did not hesitate to help others even when he had little.
He warned Kenyans against taking the issue lightly. “People can laugh, clap and tell stories, but it is the family that carries the real pain,” he warned.
The condolence visit was attended by several leaders including the leader of the Roots Party George Luchiri Wajackoyah and the Governor of Siaya James Orengo.
In his speech, Wajackoyah questioned the information about the white Toyota Probox car caught by CCTV cameras entering the Naivasha gas station shortly after Jirongo.
He also wanted an explanation about the passengers who were in the bus involved in the accident.
“Where did the 65 passengers who were in the bus go?” asked Wajackoyah.
Source: Facebook
Orengo explains why Jirongo may have attracted the attention of the government
Orengo, who said he used to be Jirongo’s lawyer, claimed that the former MP faced constant torture from the government.
He continued to explain what was claimed to make Jirongo a person to be watched by the government.
“They knew Jirongo was a good politician, a very generous person, and if he gave his weight to any political party, the situation would turn out to be bad for the government. He was tortured a lot. And even the questions that Wajackoyah has asked must be properly investigatedyes,” said Orengo.
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The Siaya governor added that Kenya has lost many influential people under similar circumstances, stressing that Jirongo’s death should not be ignored.
He said he is ready to step aside from his position as governor to represent the family legally in search of answers.
What was Jirongo planning before his death?
TUKO.co.ke previously reported that the lawyer Danstan Omari he said Jirongo died a few days before opening a court case which he instructed him to personally follow up on.
The legal process had already started before the life of the former member of parliament was cut short by the accident.
Omari described the long professional and personal relationship he had with Jirongo, whom he represented in various courts over the years.
He said Jirongo was firm in his positions, patient under pressure, and sincerely committed to the things he believed in.
The lawyer asked Kenyans to stop rumors and political discussions about Jirongo’s death, and asked the community to respect the grieving family.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
