Africa-Press – Kenya. Central Organisation of Trade Unions secretary general Francis Atwoli has urged the family of the late Cabinet minister and former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo to trust in God as they mourn his death.
Atwoli visited the former legislator’s home to console the family following Jirongo’s death in a road accident on December 13 at the Karai area along the Nakuru–Naivasha road.
Preliminary police investigations indicated that Jirongo was involved in a collision with a passenger bus at about 2.19 am after allegedly driving on the wrong lane shortly after joining the highway from a petrol station.
Describing Jirongo as a close friend, Atwoli said he shared in the family’s grief and encouraged them to seek strength and comfort in faith during the difficult period.
“While reflecting on the friendship that I had with Jirongo and in sharing my grief, I encouraged the family to trust in God, who alone grants strength and comfort in times of loss,” Atwoli said.Cotu boss Francis Atwoli and his wife Mary Atwoli visit the family of Cyrus Jirongo to condole with them following his passing, December 23, 2025. /FRANCIS ATWOLI/X
The Cotu boss also reflected on Jirongo’s political leadership, describing him as one of the most prolific Luhya leaders who embodied the spirit and interests of the community through an unwavering commitment to their welfare.
He said Jirongo consistently stood up for the aspirations of the Luhya people, a principle he pledged to honour.
“As a friend to CJ, I assured the family of my commitment that I will not abandon them and that I will stand with them in support, now and in the days ahead,” Atwoli said.Cotu boss Francis Atwoli and his wife Mary Atwoli pray with the family of Cyrus Jirongo when they visited to condole with them following his passing, December 23, 2025. /FRANCIS ATWOLI/X
Jirongo’s death has raised questions, particularly regarding the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Some of those who were with him earlier that night in Karen, Nairobi, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, said he had left for his home in Kitusuru.
It was therefore puzzling that the accident occurred in Naivasha, several kilometres away from the expected route or presumed location.
The driver of the Climax bus involved in the crash said Jirongo was driving on the wrong lane after joining the highway from a petrol station, allegedly to avoid traffic on his lane.
However, a pump attendant at the petrol station disputed this account, saying there was no traffic at the time, further compounding doubts about the incident.
In a preliminary report, police said CCTV footage showed Jirongo’s Mercedes-Benz entering the petrol station at 2.18 am.
He did not stop to refuel but drove slightly past the fuel pumps before making a swift U-turn 34 seconds later and exiting the station to rejoin the highway towards Nairobi.
At about 2.19:25am, the footage shows a bus suspected to be the one involved in the crash heading towards Nakuru.
The bus is seen moving at high speed with its headlights fully on before colliding with Jirongo’s vehicle and dragging it along the tarmac for about 25 metres.
Bus driver Tyrus Kamau said he attempted to brake and swerve to avoid the collision but feared the bus would tip over, prompting him to brace for impact.
Jirongo died on the spot. An autopsy conducted at Lee Funeral Home revealed that he died from blunt force trauma, with severe injuries to the chest, abdomen, spine and legs.
Jirongo served as Member of Parliament for Lugari constituency from 1997 to 2002 and again from 2007 to 2013.
During his first term, he was appointed Minister for Rural Development in the final months of President Daniel Moi’s administration, serving from March 2002 to December 2002.
He will be laid to rest at his Lumakanda home on Tuesday, December 30.
In a twist of fate, Enoch Kibunguchy, who succeeded Jirongo as Lugari MP and served from 2003 to 2007, died early Tuesday while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Eldoret.
