Ruto, Gachagua, Gideon Moi mourn Jirongo

By Newsflash Reporter

Political leaders across Kenya have expressed deep sorrow following the death of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, who died in a road accident on Saturday morning along the Naivasha stretch of the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway.

President William Ruto described Jirongo as a close friend and a formidable figure in Kenyan politics, business, and public life.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo. Jirongo was a relentless go-getter, a seasoned businessman, and a consummate politician who refused to be defined, let alone defeated, by life’s challenges,” Ruto said.

A ‘relentless fighter’

The President added that Jirongo 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. Never one to shrink from a tough stand or a grand idea, he 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.”

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also conveyed his condolences, recalling Jirongo’s dedication to the people of Lugari Constituency, where he served from 1997–2002 and again from 2007–2013.

“It is with deep pain I have learnt of the passing of former Cabinet Minister and ex-Lugari MP Hon. Cyrus Jirongo following a tragic road accident along Nairobi–Nakuru Highway. As Lugari MP, he served his constituents with dedication. I pass my deepest sympathies to his family, friends, the people of Lugari, western Kenya, and the whole nation as we mourn Hon. Cyrus Jirongo. May Almighty God rest his soul in eternal peace and perpetual light shine upon him forever,” Gachagua said.

Moi, KANU mourn a ‘bold political figure’

KANU chairperson and former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi described Jirongo as a committed family man and a fearless political leader.

“It is with a deep sense of sorrow that we mourn the loss of our brother and friend, Hon. Cyrus Jirongo. Hon. Jirongo was known to us first as a family man. He spoke with pride about his family, and he carried that sense of responsibility into every space he entered. Those who spent time with him knew his warmth, his humor, and his confidence, but also his deep loyalty to the people closest to him,” Moi said.

He recalled the many interactions he had shared with Jirongo, highlighting his openness and boldness in political discourse. “Over the years, we shared many moments with Hon. Jirongo. He was a familiar presence, and at no point did he ever hide his convictions. He was bold in thought and action. He spoke his mind freely and engaged others openly. Our conversations were honest, sometimes even challenging, but always rooted in mutual respect,” Moi said.

A legacy remembered

The KANU leader further acknowledged Jirongo’s significant influence on national politics. “As a political figure, he played a visible and influential role in the country’s public life. He was energetic, fearless, and unapologetic about his views.

Whether one agreed with him or not, he brought passion to politics and left a clear mark on the national conversation.

On behalf of the Moi family and KANU, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who loved him. May God’s strength, grace, and peace be with them during this sorrowful time. May the soul of Hon. Cyrus Jirongo rest in eternal peace.”

Jirongo’s death has elicited an outpouring of sympathy from leaders across the political spectrum, trade unionists, and ordinary Kenyans who remembered him as a dynamic, fearless, and generous figure whose presence in politics and business left an enduring legacy.