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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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.

The post Cyrus Jirongo Laid to Rest: A Life Marked by Politics, Business, and Bankruptcy appeared first on Insider Bits News.

In a press statement released Thursday in Nairobi, Moi said the budget, presented by the National Treasury, falls short of expectations and continues to prioritize government operations over real development that could uplift the lives of millions of Kenyans.

“We expected the Executive to be more sensitive and responsive to the economic challenges facing Kenyans,” Moi stated.

“Instead, the projected Ksh. 3.1 trillion recurrent expenditure dwarfs the Ksh. 693 billion set aside for development.”

Moi raised alarm over the government’s intention to borrow Ksh. 635.5 billion from local financial institutions to plug budget gaps, warning that such domestic borrowing would crowd out the private sector and further shrink household incomes.

“It is economically unsound for the government to compete with the private sector in borrowing locally. This will stifle access to credit by businesses, leading to a weakened economy,” he said.

The KANU leader noted that taxes account for over 83% of the projected Ksh. 3.3 trillion in total revenue, with tax revenue estimates at Ksh. 2.75 trillion.

He argued that the government could balance the budget without excessive borrowing—if only it exercised proper fiscal discipline.

“We can only sustain a nation through taxation, but we can never tax ourselves into prosperity,” Moi asserted.

In a sharp rebuke of the budget’s priorities, Moi questioned the Ksh. 257 billion allocation to national security, including what he termed the highest-ever allocation to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), while critical sectors like healthcare and agriculture remain underfunded.

“Is the government planning to secure a sickly population or rather, a hungry nation?” he posed.

Moi also criticized the allocation of an extra Ksh. 150 million to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for the acquisition of Optimus 3.0 Social Media spyware, warning that the move could infringe on civil liberties and suppress digital dissent.

“This is part of a wider scheme to invade the privacy of citizens and silence online dissent,” he claimed.

The KANU Chairman expressed concern that counties were only allocated Ksh. 405.1 billion, despite bearing a substantial share of service delivery responsibilities.

He called for a fresh national conversation around the structure and funding of devolution.

Moi also highlighted the growing pile of national and county pending bills, which now total Ksh. 706 billion, saying they are choking cash flow, stalling businesses, and leaving Kenyans with less money in their pockets.

“It’s critical that the government expedites the payment of these bills to open up the economy,” he said.

Concluding his statement, Moi reiterated KANU’s position that Kenya must transition from a consumer-driven to a producer-driven economy.

“It is our position as a party that to address high unemployment rates, our budget must be tailored to move Kenya from a consumer to a producer economy and create wealth for our people through massive industrialization. We can only sustain a nation through taxation, but we can never tax ourselves into prosperity,” he said

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