Kenyan leaders have paid tribute to former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo, who died early Saturday morning in a road accident along the Nairobi–Nakuru highway.
Jirongo, 64, was travelling in his private vehicle when it collided with a passenger bus at around 3am. His death has drawn widespread condolences from leaders across the political divide, who described him as a bold politician, a successful businessman and a generous mentor.
President William Ruto led the tributes, describing Jirongo as a personal friend and a key figure in Kenya’s political history. He praised him as resilient, outspoken and generous, noting that he lived life on his own terms and left a lasting mark on the country.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said he worked with Jirongo in Parliament and remembered him as a man with sharp political instincts and deep knowledge of public service. He said Kenya had lost a leader shaped by the country’s formative political years.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi described Jirongo as a dedicated public servant who served both as a Member of Parliament and Cabinet minister, while Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir called him fearless, authentic and deeply generous.
Other leaders, including Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, spoke of Jirongo’s personal warmth, mentorship and strong belief in others. Several recalled his ability to inspire hope even during difficult moments.
Jirongo was a former presidential candidate and a key figure in the influential YK’92 political movement during the late President Daniel Moi’s era. He also played a major role in business, particularly in real estate development in Nairobi.
Political leaders, past and present legislators, and family members gathered at Lee Funeral Home on Saturday as tributes continued to pour in from across the country.
Many described his death as a major loss not only to the people of Lugari, but to Kenya’s political and business community.
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