I thought it was a prank: Jirongo’s widow recounts the night she learned of his death

Family and friends of the late former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo have converged at CITAM , Valley Road for a church service in his memory.

The service began at about 10am, as part of a four‑day funeral programme ahead of his burial on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

Former AG Amos Wako, Martha Karua among leaders present.

The long-term politician will be laid to rest in his rural home in Lumakanda, Lugari Constituency, Kakamega County. 

The memorial service at CITAM was followed by anovernight vigil at Jirongo’s family residence in Gigiri, Nairobi.

Further services are planned in Kitale on Sunday, December 28, before moving his remains to Lumakanda on Monday. 

Jirongo, a veteran politician, died in a road accident on December 13, 2025, after his Mercedes‑Benz collided head‑on with a Climax Coaches passenger bus along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway near Karai, Naivasha. 

He was 64. 

Police said the accident occurred at approximately 3am.  

A detailed post‑mortem examination conducted at Lee Funeral Home confirmed that Jirongo died from extensive blunt force trauma, including severe injuries to his chest, abdomen and spine, as well as multiple fractures. 

Government and family pathologists said the injuries were “not compatible with life.” 

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has been probing the circumstances surrounding the crash. 

Investigators traced and interviewed individuals connected to a white Toyota Probox captured on closed‑circuit footage near the scene before the fatal collision. 

DCI officers also recorded statements and are seeking to piece together the events leading up to the crash.

The investigation also focused on tracking Jirongo’s movements in the hours before the crash. 

CCTV from a petrol station showed his vehicle entering and leaving the forecourt just moments before the accident, and detectives have been tracing those who were nearby to build a timeline. 

Jirongo’s family publicly urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into how he ended up on the Naivasha stretch of the highway late at night, noting that he was expected to be at his Nairobi home in Gigiri hours earlier. 

Family members also appealed for security agencies to review footage and other data to clarify the final movements of the former MP.

Political leaders have continued paying tributes.

President William Ruto described Jirongo as a “relentless go‑getter” whose life was defined by determination and service.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula joined other leaders in consoling the family in Lumakanda and urged political figures to refrain from politicising the tragedy. 

The funeral programme continues with additional services before Jirongo’s final burial on Tuesday, bringing to a close the period of mourning for one of Kenya’s long‑serving political figures.