Africa-Press – Kenya. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has recounted his final meeting with former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, just hours before his death.
Wetang’ula emotionally described his shock upon learning that Jirongo had died in a road crash shortly after they had shared a meal at a Nairobi hotel.
“This is very personal and touching to me. I am here not for claps or cheers but to mourn a dear brother and close friend,” Wetang’ula said during a visit to Jirongo’s family and friends in Lumakanda, Lugari.
He said Jirongo had called him on December 9 while he was in Uganda, requesting a meeting.
“When I returned home, I called him on December 12, and we met at a hotel where Jirongo explained why he wanted to meet,” Wetang’ula said.
Jirongo, he recalled, told him that he wanted to console him after the loss of his mother earlier this year, and as he continued mourning the passing of his elder brother.
“He explained that he had been unable to attend my mother’s burial in Bungoma and promised to attend my brother’s funeral on December 18,” Wetang’ula said.
“We parted ways around 9 p.m., hoping to meet him at home later, but that was not to be. I was shocked the following morning to hear that Jirongo had died,” he added.
“In the morning, I learned he had died in an accident. That is how close he was to me. I have lost a great and personal friend,” Wetang’ula said.
He described Jirongo as someone who had spent his life helping others.
“Cyrus Jirongo touched my life because we have done a lot together, including educating children,” Wetang’ula said.
He added that Jirongo always championed regional unity and called on residents to honour his memory through peace and cohesion.
“Let’s all strive to live Jirongo’s spirit, the way he wanted us to be united as a community, and then as a country,” he said.
Wetang’ula said he had known Jirongo since 1988 and shared many experiences with him over the years.
He acknowledged the family’s pain, describing Jirongo as a charismatic leader who was extremely generous.
Jirongo, Wetang’ula said, was a great man who always wished to see the Luhya community united.
He visited Jirongo’s home to console the family ahead of his burial, scheduled for December 30, 2025.
The home, located in Lunakanda, will be the site of the burial, where Jirongo will be laid to rest alongside his parents.
Wetang’ula was accompanied by Siaya Governor James Orengo, Roots Party leader Wajackoya, and Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera.
Several other local leaders were also present, and security was tightened at the home ahead of the funeral.
Wetang’ula is among the leaders who met Jirongo in Nairobi hours before the fatal crash near Naivasha.
Nabii, who served as secretary of the MPs caucus in the region, urged Luhya leaders to unite in honour of Jirongo.
“Jirongo wished for us to unite, but the challenge has always been disagreements among our leaders. Let’s unite and lead the community moving forward,” Nabii said.
He confirmed that preparations for the burial were complete and that Jirongo’s body would arrive at the home on the evening of December 29.
A funeral service will be held at Lunakanda Primary School on December 30.
