Cyrus Jirongo: From Moi’s Young Protégé to Debt-Ridden Political Maverick
Cyrus Shakhalaga Khwa Jirongo rose from humble beginnings to become a key figure in Kenyan politics, marked by bold campaigns, ministerial roles, and financial controversies before his sudden death in a Naivasha road crash on December 13, 2025.
His life is detailed as a polygamous family man, billionaire-turned-debtor, and veteran MP whose ambitions spanned decades.
Born in 1961 in Western Province, Jirongo’s journey reflected Kenya’s turbulent post-independence politics and business landscape.
Early Life and Education
Jirongo attended the prestigious Mang’u High School from 1978 to 1981, followed by studies at Egerton University between 1982 and 1986.
Raised by a pastor mother who instilled values of truthfulness, he entered public life early, joining AFC Leopards club in 1991 before politics dominated.
His rapid ascent under President Moi, becoming a perceived billionaire before age 30 through savvy political alliances.
Political Rise and Fall
Jirongo chaired Youth for KANU ’92 in 1992, mobilizing support for Moi’s re-election amid multiparty tensions.
Under YK, Jirongo worked with other ambitious young politicians. The initial group had Joe Kimkung, Fred Kiptanui, Joe Mwangale, Sammy Kogo, and Victor Kebenei.
The five leaders nominated Cyrus Jirongo as chairman, Sam Nyamweya as treasurer, and Gerald Bomett as vice-chair.
Most mportantly, Kenya’s current President, William Ruto, was part of YK. They later fall out.
Jirongo was known for his lavish lifestyle during his young age.
Moi, a strongman, exited in 2002, after handing over the KANU button to little-known Uhuru Kenyatta, son of Kenya’s founding President, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.
However, economist and veteran politician Mwai Kibaki swept KANU out of power, ending Moi’s 24-year rule and dictatorship.
Kibaki was backed by Raila Odinga, whom Moi had jailed for a failed 1982 coup. Raila later became Kenya’s Prime Minister following the disputed 2007 elections, which pitted him against the incumbent, Kibaki.
Elected Lugari MP in 1997 under KANU, he served as Minister for Rural Development until falling out with the party, losing in 2002.
He formed KADDU in 2006, reclaiming Lugari from 2007-2013, later running unsuccessfully for Kakamega Senator in 2013 and president via UDP in 2017 with just 11,000 votes.
Family Dynamics
Polygamous with four wives from diverse ethnic groups Kalenjin, Kikuyu, Kamba, and Maasai Jirongo fathered many children including Kimani Waiyaki, Naisenya Waiyaki, Lemaiyan Waiyaki, Prestone, Mercy, Judy, Sharon, and June Jirongo.
His ex-wife Caroline Kittony shared one daughter, Lorraine Elizabeth Khalamwa, who died in 2025 after a short illness, with family roll calls at her requiem drawing public attention.
He was a typical wealthy African man with a large, extended family.
Wealth and Business Empire
Jirongo amassed fortune through firms like Sololo Outlets and Offshore Trading, securing massive loans for real estate including NSSF projects, but defaulted on billions from Postbank Credit and others, accruing over KSh 40 billion in debt.
Properties in Nairobi like Mukuru kwa Reuben land faced auctions, with KDIC pursuing recoveries amid ownership disputes.
Despite claims of settling debts via escrow, his empire crumbled under legal battles.
Final Days and Legacy
Traveling alone to Lugari in his Mercedes Benz, Jirongo collided head-on with a bus on Nairobi-Nakuru Highway near Naivasha around 3 a.m., dying at the scene as confirmed by police.
Maintaining a low profile recently, he eyed opposition roles under President Trump’s reelection shadow in global politics.