“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo,” President William Ruto wrote on X , hours after the tragic accident that claimed Jirongo’s life.
“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. 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. 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.”
But behind these warm words lies a layered history — one that stretches back more than three decades, from shared youthful ambition to public disagreement, and a story of two men whose paths would diverge sharply even as their early connection shaped the contours of Kenyan politics.
From Young Firebrand to National Figure
Cyrus Jirongo was born on 21 March 1961 and educated at Mang’u High School. His first brush with national prominence came in the early 1990s as the leader of Youth for KANU ’92 (YK’92), a youth lobby group that mobilised support for President Daniel arap Moi ahead of Kenya’s first multiparty elections.
YK’92 was bold, flashy, and unapologetically aggressive. It deployed cash handouts, distributed branded merchandise, and revolutionised political mobilisation, setting a template that would influence the nation’s electoral politics for decades. Jirongo’s flamboyant campaigns were legendary, earning him a reputation — and even a nickname tied to the newly introduced Sh500 banknote.
His political career progressed quickly. By 1997, he became Member of Parliament for Lugari, and later briefly served as Minister for Rural Development. Ambitious and unapologetically outspoken, Jirongo later launched presidential bids and remained a visible voice in Kenyan politics well into the 2020s, though his fortunes fluctuated.
The Shared Beginning: Jirongo and Ruto
It was during the YK’92 years that a young William Ruto first entered Jirongo’s orbit. Ruto played organisational and financial roles in the movement, learning the inner workings of politics while Jirongo commanded the spotlight. At the time, their relationship was one of alignment and opportunity: the fiery, charismatic Jirongo guiding the ambitious, calculating Ruto.
The alliance helped both men launch political careers. Ruto would later ascend to parliament and climb the national ladder, while Jirongo consolidated his influence among youth and business networks.
Divergent Paths and Public Disagreement
Yet as Ruto’s star rose – culminating in his tenure as Deputy President and eventually President – Jirongo’s trajectory faltered. He became known as an outspoken critic, sometimes accusing Ruto of ruthlessness and opportunism. Their public disagreements captured media attention and painted a picture of a relationship that had soured over time
Ruto, for his part, dismissed the criticisms as envy over their diverging fortunes. In interviews, he joked about once being Jirongo’s “mtu wa mkono” – a handyperson – underscoring the role reversal that time and circumstance had wrought.
A Legacy of Boldness and Controversy
Cyrus Jirongo’s life was marked by peaks and valleys. He amassed influence, wielded power, and sparked debate, only to face setbacks later in his career. Yet he remained unapologetically vocal, never fading quietly from the public eye.
Even in death, his legacy is felt. Leaders across Kenya have paid tribute to his energy, courage, and commitment, while critics continue to debate the methods and impact of his political style.
Ruto’s message reminds the nation that, beyond politics, Jirongo was a man of conviction and generosity, someone who fought for what he believed in and inspired others to do the same. In the end, he truly lived on his own terms — bold, unapologetic, and unforgettable.
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