Jirongo's death appears to be road accident, no foul play – DCI

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has said preliminary findings into the death of former Cabinet minister and veteran politician Cyrus Jirongo indicate that the incident was a road traffic accident, with no evidence so far pointing to foul play.

In a statement on Monday, the DCI said Jirongo died on the night of December 13, 2025, at the Karai area along the Nakuru–Nairobi Highway.

Investigators were deployed immediately after the incident to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.

“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) wishes to update the public on the ongoing investigations into the tragic death of Hon. Cyrus Jirongo,” the statement said, adding that a multi-agency team was constituted to handle the case.

According to the DCI, the team comprised homicide detectives, experts from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau, and forensic specialists from the National Forensic Laboratory.

The investigators visited and processed the scene, secured and preserved exhibits, and documented physical evidence.

The detectives also recovered CCTV footage from an Egol petrol station near the scene, which is undergoing forensic review.

In addition, the bus manifest and amateur videos captured at the scene were obtained and subjected to analysis

As part of the probe, statements were recorded from several key witnesses, including Jirongo’s widow, Ann Lanoi Pertet, who was the first family member contacted after the incident.

Statements were also taken from the driver and conductor of the Climax bus involved, as well as staff at the petrol station.

The DCI further disclosed that senior politicians Moses Wetang’ula, Rebman Malala and Ibrahim Sambul—who had interacted with Jirongo at Karen Oasis restaurant on the evening of December 12, 2025—voluntarily recorded statements to assist investigators.

Seven passengers from the bus also presented themselves to record statements, while detectives questioned Julius Kiprotich Chelule, the driver of an alleged rescue bus with registration number KCU 573A.

“Based on the evidence gathered and analysed to date, the incident appears to be a road traffic accident, with no indications of foul play,” the DCI said.

The agency noted that once remaining investigative processes are concluded, the file will be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for further directions, including the possibility of criminal charges against the PSV driver in line with the available evidence.

The DCI extended its “deepest condolences to the family, relatives and friends of Hon. Cyrus Jirongo” and urged the public and political leaders to avoid speculation that could prejudice the investigations or cause public anxiety.

“Any person who possesses information that they believe may assist the ongoing investigations is encouraged to come forward,” the statement said, reiterating its commitment to “impartial, thorough and expeditious investigations in accordance with the law.”