President William Ruto has expressed deep sorrow over the death of his friend and former Lugari MP, Cyrus Jirongo.
In a statement, the President described Jirongo as “a relentless go-getter, a seasoned businessman, and a consummate politician who refused to be defined, let alone defeated, by life’s challenges.”
He added that Jirongo “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 said.
The President also paid tribute to Jirongo’s fearless approach to life and politics.
“Never one to shrink from a tough stand or a grand idea, he lived on his own terms and left an indelible mark on our political landscape," he said.
President Ruto concluded by sending his condolences to Jirongo’s loved ones: “My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Jirongo died Saturday morning following a road accident that occurred in Karai area, Naivasha, Nakuru County.
His 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 said the crash happened at around 3:00 a.m. December 13, 2025, along the busy Nairobi–Nakuru Highway.
He was alone at the time.
Reports indicate he was driving back to Nairobi when the accident happened.
Police said they are investigating the incident. His car was badly damaged, police and witnesses said.
Some of his friends rushed to the scene and were directed to the local mortuary, where police had moved his body.
Following his death, other leaders also mourned him.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said he was shocked and saddened by Jirongo’s untimely death in a road accident, noting his impact on politics.
“He leaves an indelible mark on the political landscape of Kenya as a political trailblazing youth in the 1990s,” he said.
“His family and friends are in our prayers. Rest in peace, brother.”
KANU chairman Gideon Moi eulogised Jirongo as a bold political actor and a deeply loyal family man, speaking on behalf of the Moi family and the party.
“Jirongo was known to us first as a family man. He spoke with pride about his family and carried that sense of responsibility into every space he entered,” Moi said.
He recalled Jirongo’s sense of humour, warmth, confidence and loyalty.
“Over the years, we shared many moments with Jirongo. He was a familiar presence, and at no point did he ever hide his convictions. He was bold in thought and action,” Moi added.
He eulogised the man as honest and respectful, which was the basis of their conversations.
“As a political figure, he played a visible and influential role in the country’s public life, particularly during the final years of KANU as the ruling party. He was energetic, fearless, and unapologetic about his views,” Moi said.
“On behalf of the Moi family and KANU, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who loved him. May God’s strength, grace, and peace be with them during this sorrowful time. May the soul of Hon Cyrus Jirongo rest in eternal peace.”
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi said he cancelled his birthday celebrations out of respect for Jirongo.
“I woke up to the sad news of the loss of Hon Cyrus Jirongo through a terrible road accident. A good man at heart, an astute politician who spoke uncomfortable truths, and generous to the core,” he said.
“In his respect, I will not hold any celebration today. May the Lord rest his soul in eternal peace.”
