Bold and principled leader! Uhuru mourns Cyrus Jirongo

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has joined the people of Lugari and Kenyans at large in mourning the death of former Member of Parliament Cyrus Shakhalaga Khwa Jirongo, who died in a road accident along the Naivasha–Nakuru Highway early Saturday morning.

In a statement from the Office of the 4th President of Kenya, Uhuru remembered Jirongo as a bold and principled leader who served the nation with dedication.

He said the former Lugari legislator was passionate about championing the interests of the youth and worked tirelessly for the country.

“His courage, wit, and commitment to standing up for what he believed in will forever be etched in the minds of those who interacted with him,” Kenyatta said.

The former Head of State noted that Jirongo’s leadership left a lasting impression on those who followed his political journey.

Uhuru extended his heartfelt condolences to Jirongo’s family, friends and supporters, saying the loss was deeply painful.

He prayed that God would grant them comfort and strength during this difficult period of mourning.

The former president also expressed sympathy with the people of Lugari, noting that they had lost a dedicated leader.

Jirongo died early Saturday morning following a road accident along the Naivasha–Nakuru Highway, according t

o the statement.His friends and relatives said Jirongo was driving himself to his rural home in Lugari, Kakamega, when his vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with a bus.

Rift Valley Traffic Enforcement Officer Sarah Chumo said the crash happened at around 3:00 a.m. December 13, 2025, along the busy Nairobi–Nakuru Highway.

He was alone at the time. 

President William Ruto also expressed deep sorrow over Jirongo's death.

In a statement, the President described Jirongo as “a relentless go-getter, a seasoned businessman, and a consummate politician who refused to be defined, let alone defeated, by life’s challenges.”

He added that Jirongo “was a fighter in every sense: blunt yet warm, bold yet approachable, enlightened and endlessly entrepreneurial.”

“Above all, he was generous to a fault; always willing to give, to uplift, and to back others with his time, resources, and belief,” President Ruto said.

The President also paid tribute to Jirongo’s fearless approach to life and politics.

Never one to shrink from a tough stand or a grand idea, he lived on his own terms and left an indelible mark on our political landscape," he said.

President Ruto concluded by sending his condolences to Jirongo’s loved ones: “My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace, my friend.”