NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has joined Kenyans in mourning former Cabinet minister and ex-Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, who died in the early hours of Saturday, December 13, 2025.
While confirming the accident, Rift Valley Traffic Enforcement Officer Sarah Chumo said the road accident occurred at the Karai area near Naivasha town in Nakuru County at around 3 am.
In a statement posted on his official social media accounts, President Ruto said he was “deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo.”
The head of state described the late Jirongo as 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,” said President Ruto.
Never one to shrink from a tough stand or a grand idea, the head of state further said that Jirongo lived on his own terms and left an indelible mark on our political landscape.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace, my friend,” added the head of state.
United Opposition leaders mourn Cyrus Jirongo
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said, “It is with deep pain I have learnt of the passing on of former Cabinet Minister and ex-Lugari MP Hon. Cyrus Jirongo following a tragic road accident along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway.”
On his part, Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) leader Kalonzo Musyoka described Jirongo’s death as a profound loss to his family, the people of Lugari, and the nation at large.
“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 my family and the @TheWiperParty, I convey my heartfelt condolences to the family of Hon. Cyrus Jirongo, his friends, and
the people of Kakamega County and the wider Western Kenya region. May God grant his family strength and comfort during this difficult time, and may the soul of Hon. Cyrus Jirongo rest in eternal peace.”
Siaya Governor James Orengo wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that I have received the sad news of the passing of Hon. Cyrus Jirongo following a road accident. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and loved ones. May they find strength, comfort, and peace during this profoundly difficult time.”
City lawyer Donald B. Kipkorir said, “Cyrus Jirongo, like many, had human frailties, BUT unlike most, he was a good man.”
“He had a golden heart. He was charitable to a fault. He always gave the last money he had to a needy person. May his soul rest in eternal peace!”
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah Okoiti said, “I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all Kenyans mourning this great loss, and pray that God grants them strength, comfort, and peace during this difficult time. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”
Why MP Caleb Amisi won’t celebrate his birthday today
Jenga Mkenya Movement leader Reuben Kigame shared, “It is with a heavy heart that I share the sad news of the passing on of Hon. Cyrus Jirongo following a fatal road accident this morning in Naivasha. We saw the wreck as we drove past there today but did not know he was the one involved. May God comfort his family and friends.”
Outspoken Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, who is celebrating his birthday today, wrote:
“I was going to type happy birthday to me; then I woke up to sad news of the loss of Hon. CYRUS JIRONGO through a terrible road accident.”
MP Amisi described the late Jirongo as “a very good man at heart, an astute long-time politician who told the government the uncomfortable truth. Loved by most of his friends and generous to the core.”
In this respect, therefore, MP Amisi said that he was not going to hold any form of celebration for his birthday today.
“May the good Lord rest his soul in eternal peace. Kenya needs a renaissance!” added the ODM MP.
How President William Ruto and Cyrus Jirongo crossed paths
President Ruto and the late Jirongo were key figures in the Youth for KANU ’92 (YK’92) movement.
This well-funded lobby group was instrumental in mobilising support, with Ruto serving as a prominent leader at its headquarters, actively distributing funds and making promises.
The YK’92 movement was a significant platform for Ruto’s national breakthrough and marked the beginning of his political alliance with Jirongo. Following the disbandment of YK’92, both Ruto and Jirongo went on to successfully contest for political positions.
Meanwhile, Jirongo’s body has since been moved to the Lee Funeral Home from the Naivasha Sub-County Hospital mortuary.
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