Former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo has died following a road accident in Naivasha, Nakuru County.
Jirongo died early Saturday morning after his vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with a bus along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway. Rift Valley Traffic Enforcement Officer Sarah Chumo said the crash occurred at about 3.00 a.m. in the Karai area.
According to family members and close associates, Jirongo was driving himself to his rural home in Lugari, Kakamega County, at the time of the accident. He was alone in the vehicle. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the collision, but he succumbed to his injuries.
Police have launched investigations into the cause of the crash, which occurred along one of the country’s busiest highways, often associated with night-time accidents involving long-distance travel.
Jirongo was a prominent political figure and businessman whose career spanned several decades. He served as the Member of Parliament for Lugari and was widely known for his political influence during the 1990s and early 2000s.
Born in 1958, Jirongo rose to national prominence while serving as the chairman of the Youth for KANU 92 lobby group, which played a key role in Kenya’s 1992 general election campaigns. His involvement in national politics made him one of the most recognisable political mobilisers of that era.
After leaving Parliament, Jirongo remained active in politics and business. He contested the presidency in the 2017 general election as an independent candidate, running on a platform that focused on economic empowerment and national unity.
Beyond politics, Jirongo was known for his business interests and philanthropic activities, particularly in Western Kenya, where he supported education and community initiatives. Despite facing political and legal controversies at various points in his career, he maintained a strong presence in public life.
Tributes began pouring in from political leaders, friends, and supporters shortly after news of his death broke, many describing him as a bold and influential figure who left a lasting mark on Kenya’s political history.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.
