Former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Shakhalaga Khwa Jirongo died early Saturday morning following a tragic road accident in Naivasha, Kenya. The prominent politician, whose career was marked by significant influence and controversy, was 64 years old at the time of his untimely passing. His vehicle collided with a passenger bus on the Nairobi–Nakuru highway, leading to his instant demise.
Mr. Jirongo first gained national prominence in 1992 as the energetic leader of Youth for KANU ’92, known as YK ’92. This powerful lobby group played a crucial role in campaigning for then-President Daniel arap Moi’s re-election during Kenya’s initial multiparty elections. His youthful activism propelled him into the national political discourse.
YK ’92 was instrumental in mobilizing support for the ruling KANU party, with Jirongo frequently associated with a lavish lifestyle during that era. His close alliance with President Moi’s inner circle established him as a significant powerbroker within the political landscape. He leveraged this influence to shape political narratives.
His foray into elective politics saw him secure the Lugari Constituency parliamentary seat in the 1997 general elections. He served his constituents for a five-year term, demonstrating his ability to transition from a campaign organizer to an elected representative. This period cemented his parliamentary presence.
Despite an initial alliance, Mr. Jirongo experienced a fallout with KANU around 1999, briefly aligning with the unregistered United Democratic Movement. He later rejoined KANU for subsequent contests before being appointed Minister for Rural Development in March 2002 by President Moi. This ministerial role lasted until December 2002.
Following a defeat in the 2002 elections, Jirongo staged a political comeback in 2007. He formed his own political vehicle, the Kenya African Democratic Development Union (KADDU), and successfully reclaimed the Lugari parliamentary seat. He served a second term until 2013, solidifying his political resilience.
Mr. Jirongo harbored presidential ambitions, making an unsuccessful bid for the highest office in the 2017 general elections under the United Democratic Party. His efforts to lead the nation reflected his enduring political drive, even as he later vied for the Kakamega gubernatorial seat in 2022.
Beyond his political endeavors, Jirongo was known for his personal life, openly advocating for polygamy and having a large family. He also engaged in various business ventures throughout his career. His life included personal tragedies, such as the death of a daughter in 2025.
However, his later years were marked by significant financial challenges. In 2017, the High Court declared him bankrupt due to unpaid loans amounting to hundreds of millions of shillings. Properties linked to his companies faced receivership or auction, reflecting complex legal and financial battles.
Police reports indicate that the fatal accident occurred around 3:00 AM at Karai, Naivasha, along the busy Nairobi–Nakuru highway. Mr. Jirongo was reportedly driving his Mercedes Benz towards Nairobi when it collided head-on with a Climax Coach bus. He sustained severe head injuries in the impact.
Rift Valley Regional Traffic Commander Sara Chumo confirmed the tragic incident, stating, “Jirongo died on the spot in the accident that occurred at 3am in the morning.” She further elaborated that he was alone in his vehicle at the time of the collision. The wreckage of his Mercedes Benz was extensively damaged.
Tirus Kamau, the driver of the Climax bus, recounted the moments before the crash. He informed reporters at Naivasha Police Station that Mr. Jirongo’s vehicle suddenly moved into his lane. Kamau described a split-second decision to absorb the impact to save his 65 passengers.
“The driver of the Mercedes didn’t give way. He decided to overlap into my lane because there was traffic on his side,” Kamau stated. He concluded, “I didn’t know who it was, but when police came, they confirmed it was Cyrus Jirongo. He died on the spot.”
Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum. Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka mourned his passing, stating, “Death has robbed us one of our greatest sons. Rest in peace, Hon. Cyrus Jirongo.” Former presidential aspirant Reuben Kigame also expressed his sorrow on social media.
