Questions surrounding Cyrus Jirongo’s death dominate burial ceremony

Allies of the late former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo are insisting that many questions remain unanswered surrounding his death.

The burial of the late Jirongo at his Lumakanda home in Lugari, Kakamega County, turned into a platform for close allies and politicians to openly question the circumstances surrounding the accident that led to his death, alleging that critical details are being concealed.

George Khaniri, former senator, said: “I am yet to see a single witness. As Luhyas, we love photos; none have been shown. From what I saw, the injuries were not consistent with an accident. Jirongo’s body was intact.”

Fred Gumo, former MP, added: “The vehicle said to have hit Jirongo had its headlights on. We want the truth. Stop taking Kenyans in circles.”

The leaders claim that apart from the accident scene itself, which doesn’t add up, no eyewitnesses on the bus have come forward, raising doubts over key information released so far.

Caleb Amisi, MP for Saboti, said: “Musalia, it is your responsibility to face the president and ask: who killed Jirongo?”

"Wetang’ula, tell us what you discussed with Cyrus. You spoke every day from 6 a.m. Kenyans want the truth," Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale stated.

Government leaders present used the occasion to console the family, with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula recalling his last meeting with Jirongo.

Moses Wetang’ula said: “We were three — myself, Jirongo, and Tuwei of Athletics Kenya. I told him we could meet briefly before leaving.”

Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary, said: “Everything must be laid bare so that the truth is known.”

A section of politicians said they do not trust the government to conduct a thorough investigation and claim they may also pursue traditional avenues to seek the truth.

“We do not trust the government to conduct the investigation properly. Let our relatives follow up on matters themselves," Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna said.

His Vihiga, counterpart, Godfrey Osotsi, said: “Let our relatives not forget matters relating to the torch.”

Fernandes Barasa, governor of Kakamega, added: “Many are calling for matters relating to the torch to be addressed so that the truth is known.”

Family and friends eulogised the late Jirongo as a devoted father who put his family first and a generous man who touched many lives.