Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has joined Kenyans in mourning the death of former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Shakhalaga Khwa Jirongo, who tragically 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 highlighted the late legislator’s passion for championing the interests of the youth and his tireless work 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 all who followed his political journey.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to Jirongo’s family, friends, and supporters, acknowledging the loss as deeply painful.
“I pray that God would grant them comfort and strength during this difficult period of mourning,” Uhuru added, also expressing sympathy to the people of Lugari, who have lost a dedicated leader.
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 confirmed that the crash occurred at around 3:00 a.m. on December 13, 2025, along the busy Nairobi–Nakuru Highway.
Jirongo was alone at the time and sustained fatal injuries at the scene.
President William Ruto also expressed deep sorrow over Jirongo’s death.
In a statement, the President described him as:“A relentless go-getter, a seasoned businessman, and a consummate politician who refused to be defined, let alone defeated, by life’s challenges.”
“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 further paid tribute to Jirongo’s fearless approach to life and politics, saying his legacy would remain an inspiration to many.
Cyrus Jirongo, aged 64, was a prominent political figure whose career spanned decades.
He first gained national attention as the leader of Youth for KANU ’92, later serving as Lugari MP and briefly as Minister for Rural Development.
Jirongo was also a successful businessman and a key figure in Western Kenya politics.
His death has elicited tributes from leaders across the political divide, underscoring his impact on national politics and the deep connections he forged with communities and colleagues alike.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days, as Kenyans continue to mourn the loss of a bold and influential leader.
