Former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo, who died following a fatal road accident along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway early Saturday morning December 13, 2025. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Kenya is mourning the death of former Cabinet Minister and former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo, who died following a fatal road accident along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway early Saturday morning.
According to reports, the 64-year-old politician died on the spot after his vehicle was involved in a collision with a 45-seater passenger bus at around 3am as he drove back to his home in Lugari. Details surrounding the crash were still emerging by the time of publication.
Jirongo was a prominent political figure who rose to national prominence during the era of the Kenya African National Union (KANU), where he was regarded as one of the party’s heavyweights. He served as Minister for Rural Development under the late President Daniel arap Moi from March 2002 until December the same year.
He first entered Parliament in 1997 after being elected Member of Parliament for Lugari Constituency, serving until 2002. He later made a political comeback, reclaiming the seat in 2007 and serving a second term until 2013. Beyond elective politics, Jirongo was widely known as a seasoned businessman and an influential mobiliser, particularly in Western Kenya.
In the 2022 General Election, Jirongo contested the Kakamega gubernatorial seat on a United Democratic Party (UDP) ticket but was defeated by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate Fernandes Barasa.
Tributes poured in from across the political divide, with leaders hailing Jirongo as a bold, generous and charismatic leader whose impact on Kenya’s political landscape would not be forgotten.
President William Ruto described Jirongo as a close friend and an indefatigable force in both business and politics.
. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo,” the President said.
“Jirongo was a relentless go-getter, a seasoned businessman, and a consummate politician who refused to be defined, let alone defeated, by life’s challenges.
He 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.
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.”
Opposition leader and Wiper Patriotic Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka also paid tribute, terming Jirongo’s death a profound national loss.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Hon. Cyrus Jirongo. His tragic death in a road accident along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway is a profound loss to his family, the people of Lugari, and the nation at large,” Kalonzo said.
“Hon. Jirongo was a bold and charismatic leader who never shied away from standing out, challenging convention, or pursuing his convictions with courage and clarity. His contribution to Kenya’s public life and his distinctive voice in our national discourse will be remembered.”
On behalf of his family and the Wiper Patriotic Front, Kalonzo conveyed condolences to Jirongo’s family, friends, and the people of Kakamega County and the wider Western Kenya region, praying for strength and comfort during the period of mourning.
Cyrus Jirongo leaves behind a legacy of fearless politics, entrepreneurship and public service that shaped national debates for decades. Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
