Wetang’ula, who was reportedly among those seen with Jirongo at City Hotel having drinks hours before the tragic accident, described the news of his friend’s passing as a devastating blow.

“Cyrus Jirongo’s death hit me like a missile,” Wetang’ula recounted during his burial in Kakamega county.

“Leo tukimzika rafiki yangu Cyrus Jirongo… I want to tell the family we have spoken to our President and he has said that after the burial, the three widows should be taken to meet and outline the profile of the challenges of our brother’s family so we can see how best we can assist.”

The Speaker recounted the events of the fateful night in detail, clarifying reports surrounding Jirongo’s last hours.

“After the Jamhuri event on December 12, 2025, I called Jirongo and asked him to meet me from 6pm onwards,” he revealed.

“At around 8:15pm, I arrived at my friend’s place, known as Malala, where we had agreed to meet. About 15 minutes later, Jirongo arrived. We then sat, three people: me, Jirongo, and General Tuwei.  I told Jirongo to do things quickly as I had lost an MP from Mombasa and had to travel,” Wetang’ula said.

He continued: “We then had a private meeting, just the two of us. I asked the other two to give us some space to talk about our matters. At about 9:30pm, I told Jirongo I was leaving. I called the two other friends to join him as l was leaving. In our meeting, we planned our issues and next steps, and I left home.”

Wetang’ula said he was blindsided by the news the next morning.

“The next morning, when I woke up at 7am to leave for Mombasa, my son came and said, ‘Sorry for the loss of your close friend Jirongo.’ The news hit me like a thunderbolt and they hit me like a Missile.  I had so many friends, but Jirongo was personal to me.”

The Speaker’s detailed account sheds light on the controversial night Jirongo lost his life in a road accident along the Nakuru–Naivasha highway, reigniting calls for clarity and accountability.

Wetang’ula’s openness also underscores the deep personal connection he shared with the late politician, highlighting the human side of the tragedy.

In sentiments during the burial, Wetang’ula reassured Kenyans and the Jirongo family that discussions with the President are ongoing to ensure the late MP’s family receives support in the wake of the devastating loss.

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Speaking during Jirongo’s burial on Tuesday in Lumakanda, Amisi emphasized that unresolved questions about the road accident that claimed Jirongo’s life continue to cast a shadow over the Western region.

Addressing mourners and political leaders, Amisi stressed the importance of accountability.

“I call upon those in government, you know I am not there, but those of you in government, we respect your position and your stance. We have a history, and we remember the time when Moi wanted to remove you, Musalia, from government. It was Cyrus Jirongo who stood up to Moi directly,” Amisi said.

He reminded the crowd that Jirongo had once defended Mudavadi’s position during the Moi era, urging the Cabinet Secretary to honor that history by seeking justice.

“History now places a responsibility on Mudavadi to speak out and demand answers for the late MP,” he added.

“Wewe Mudavadi stop being a coward, go and face Ruto and ask him who killed Cyrus Jirongo.”

Amisi’s remarks reflect growing calls from Western Kenya leaders for transparency and accountability regarding Jirongo’s death, with many urging government officials to provide full details on the fatal Nakuru–Naivasha highway crash.

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Speaking during Jirongo’s burial in Lumakanda, Moi reflected on the politician’s complex life, emphasizing that it is the enduring legacy that truly matters.

“We did everything with Jirongo, both good and bad, but what is important today for me is his legacy, because he was a trustworthy person, a true friend who was ready to stand with his friends in thin and thick,” Moi said.

The KANU leader urged the public to protect the late MP’s family, stressing that their safety and well-being are paramount.

“We know there is life after death. We all need to protect the Jirongo family because that is what matters,” he added.

Moi also lauded Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja for pledging to safeguard Jirongo’s property in Nairobi, noting that such gestures are vital for the family’s security.

Highlighting Jirongo’s lifelong commitment to Luhya unity, Moi encouraged the community to continue valuing cohesion.

“Don’t be like an Elephant who doesn’t know its importance. Your unity will shake this country, and I tell you for free,” he said.

He further echoed Jirongo’s optimism for the future, recalling the late politician’s frequent remarks: “2026 will be a game changer.”

Moi encouraged leaders and the community to carry forward this vision, ensuring that Jirongo’s legacy continues to inspire generations.

The burial was attended by political leaders, family, and community members who paid their last respects, marking the end of a life remembered for resilience, vision, and unwavering dedication to the Luhya community.

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The funeral, held at Lumakanda Primary School and his residence, drew hundreds of mourners, including his 22 children and four widely recognized spouses.

Mourners gathered at his Lumakanda home in Kakamega County, including dignitaries and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who received cheers upon arrival, a sign of respect across political lines.

Jirongo’s widely recognised spouses, Christine Nyokabi Kimani, Anne Kanini, Anne Lanoi Pertet, and Joan Chemutai Kimeto, the latter of whom he later divorced, delivered emotional tributes highlighting his equitable treatment of them all.

During the service, one of his wives, Anne Lanoi, highlighted Jirongo’s fairness and generosity toward his family in their 53-year journey together.

Dressed in traditional mourning attire with a black hat, short veil, and lace dress, she captivated the crowd with memories that painted a man both powerful and deeply human.

“My name is Anne Lanoi,” she began, her voice steady but tinged with emotion.

“I met Cyrus 35 years ago. I was 21, he was 29. What attracted me most to him was his big heart. I could not stop just wanting to be next to him. He was so kind, generous, compassionate,” Lanoi said.

She painted a vivid portrait of a man whose generosity sometimes left him with “nothing,” but never deterred his instinct to give.

“He never wanted to see anyone in trouble or difficulty. He would give and give, and then he had nothing, sometimes to the detriment of his family, but we understood him.”

Jirongo’s devotion extended to his children and extended family.

“To his children, he was their protector. If he wanted to cross his path, just do something for his children. And to his siblings, he looked at them like his children. He took over their responsibilities, educated their children, and even took some abroad. He loved them dearly, and I know they’re treasured.”

The home the couple shared was often filled with political friends, business partners, and community members.

“Every lunchtime, my house was full. It reached a point some people would confuse it for a restaurant. But it wasn’t. People came because Cyrus was generous. That was the man he was. He would tell everybody, ‘Tuende nyumbani, tukule ugali,’ and so many of them can attest to that.”

Anne admitted that the loss is deeply personal.

“I will miss Cyrus dearly. He picked my phone at the first ring. Today, I don’t know who I’ll call. And today I know he’s never coming back. But I look up to God and hope everything will be okay. It’s a heavy day for me, for the family, but we will carry on. He loved us, and his legacy lives in us.”

She extended heartfelt thanks to friends and family who supported her in the wake of Cyrus’s passing.

“A special thank you to the three brothers former Senator George Khaniri, Philip Kisia, and Fred,who woke up at 3 a.m. and followed me to Naivasha alongside their spouses when I was told Cyrus had an accident. God bless you.”

Lanoi also thanked the broader community.

“We thank the president and the government. We thank everybody in a big way, because without you, we would not have made it this far. Thank you for your messages, calls, financial and moral support.”

Cyrus Jirongo’s life, as recalled by Anne Lanoi, was one of unyielding generosity, love, and loyalty, a legacy that will be remembered by family, friends, and the countless lives he touched.

The funeral blended tradition with political legacy, featuring Abaluhya cultural rituals, dances, dirges, and ceremonies, interspersed with reflections on Jirongo’s political journey, from YK’92 activism to wealth-building ventures and sports patronage, particularly of AFC Leopards.

Rainy skies mirrored the somber mood, yet anecdotes of his generosity, from supporting rural communities to welcoming friends and political allies into his home, brought laughter and warmth.

Jirongo’s wife Lanoi concluded her tribute with emotion: “He picked my phone at the first ring. Today, I don’t know who I’ll call. He’s never coming back. But his legacy lives in us, and we will carry on.”

Jirongo’s flag-draped casket was received with solemn emotion at Lumakanda Primary School and his residence.

His 22 children and extended family attended, with requiem masses held earlier at CITAM Valley Road and in Kitale.

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At the height of his influence, Jirongo was not only a politician but also a businessman whose name was linked to sprawling real estate projects, shopping outlets and controversial land deals.

Enterprises associated with him, including Sololo Outlets Limited and Kuza Farms & Allied Limited — pursued large‑scale housing and land developments such as Hazina Estate, Saika Estate and Kemri Estate in Nairobi, among others.

Some of these projects were celebrated initially as visionary, but later became mired in legal disputes and debt recovery efforts.

The trouble formally began when Jirongo secured a Sh700 million loan from the National Bank of Kenya using properties registered in the names of several companies owned by businessman Sammy Boit arap Kogo.

When Jirongo failed to service the debt, the bank auctioned the collateral at a public sale in 2009.

After failing to repay the agreed amount, Kogo’s companies, including Masole Ltd, Baia Enterprises, Gilera Ltd, Koti Developers, Saman Developers, Kenete Enterprises, Marimio Enterprises and Linsala Enterprises, sought legal redress.

On October 9, 2017, a Commercial Court in Nairobi ruled that Jirongo be declared bankrupt for his inability to pay the outstanding debt.

Justice Olga Sewe ordered that an official receiver be appointed to manage his estate and oversee asset liquidation to recover funds for creditors.

The bankruptcy order marked a public fall for a man once associated with wealth and political clout.

It also had political implications: Kenyan law bars individuals declared bankrupt from running for certain elective positions, potentially dimming Jirongo’s aspirations after his 2017 presidential bid.

The legal troubles did not end there. In 2017, the High Court also ordered Jirongo to pay Sh110 million to COTU Secretary‑General Francis Atwoli in a separate judgment over a “friendly loan,” further underlining the depth of his financial challenges.

By the early 2020s, many properties linked to his business ventures had either been sold at auction, put under receivership, or remained embroiled in protracted cases, while some of his assets were seized or frozen as courts continued to unwind his financial affairs.

Off the courtroom floor, Jirongo’s personal life was never far from public view.

Open about his polygamous lifestyle, he married more than 10 wives over the years, publicly celebrating the diversity of his family as symbolic of national unity.

Four of his marriages were widely recognised included widows Christine Nyokabi,Anne Kanini and Anne Lanoi, with spouses drawn from communities including Kikuyu, Kamba, Maasai and Kalenjin backgrounds.

His large family included at least eight known children, though some reports suggest even more, with offspring pursuing careers in fields such as architecture, journalism and business.

While some admired his commitment to supporting a broad extended family, others viewed his personal choices as emblematic of a larger‑than‑life persona that characterised much of his public life.

Jirongo’s journey from acclaimed business figure and political pioneer, notably in the Youth for KANU ‘92 movement, to court‑mandated bankruptcy is a story of ambition, risk‑taking, legal accountability and public fascination.

His business ventures and sprawling family life kept him in the spotlight through years of triumphs and setbacks.

As Kenya mourns his passing and family members gather in Lumakanda for his burial, the nation remembers not just a charismatic politician but a complex figure whose financial collapses and legal battles left an indelible imprint on the country’s political and economic history.

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