Veteran Kenyan politician and former Lugari Member of Parliament, Cyrus Jirongo, died early Saturday morning following a tragic road accident. The incident, which led to Cyrus Jirongo’s passing, occurred at approximately 3:00 AM in the Karai area along the busy Naivasha-Nakuru Highway on December 13, 2025. His death marks the abrupt end of a decades-long career in public service and business.
Authorities confirmed that Jirongo, 64, was driving his Mercedes Benz from Nakuru towards Nairobi when it collided head-on with an oncoming bus. Rift Valley Regional Traffic Commander Sara Chumo reported that Jirongo sustained serious head injuries and passed away instantly at the scene. “We are sad to announce the death of politician Cyrus Jirongo in road accident along the Nakuru Nairobi highway,” Ms. Chumo stated.
Jirongo first rose to national prominence in the early 1990s as the influential leader of Youth for KANU ’92 (YK’92), a powerful lobby group. This movement played a crucial role in mobilizing support for then-President Daniel arap Moi’s re-election campaign during Kenya’s transition to multiparty politics in 1992. The group was known for its significant financial muscle.
His political journey saw him serve as the Member of Parliament for Lugari Constituency from 1997 to 2002 and again from 2007 to 2013. During President Moi’s administration, he also held the position of Minister for Rural Development between March and December 2002. Later in his career, Jirongo contested for the presidency in the 2017 general elections under the United Democratic Party.
Beyond politics, Jirongo was recognized as a shrewd businessman with diverse interests, often associated with a lavish lifestyle during his heyday. His life was not without controversy, including financial woes and legal battles, and his death comes months after the passing of his daughter, Lorraine.
The wreckage of Jirongo’s vehicle was towed to Naivasha Police Station, while his body was moved to the Naivasha sub-county hospital morgue. No other fatalities were reported from the collision, though several bus passengers were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment following the tragic incident.
