Unanswered Questions Overshadow Jirongo’s Final Farewell
Questions about Cyrus Jirongo’s death overshadowed his burial ceremony in Lumakanda, Lugari, Kakamega County, as allies demanded clarity on the road accident that claimed the former MP’s life on December 13, 2025.
Politicians turned the event into a platform for probing alleged foul play, with no eyewitnesses or photos presented despite Luhya traditions calling for truth.
The ceremony highlighted tensions between modern investigations and cultural rituals.
Key Demands from Leaders
Politicians like George Khaniri questioned the lack of witnesses and noted Jirongo’s intact body seemed inconsistent with a severe crash.
George Khaniri, former senator, said: “I am yet to see a single witness. As Luhyas, we love photos; none have been shown. From what I saw, the injuries were not consistent with an accident. Jirongo’s body was intact.”
Boni Khalwale urged Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to reveal daily conversations with Jirongo, while Caleb Amisi pressed Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi for answers.
Caleb Amisi, MP for Saboti, said: “Musalia, it is your responsibility to face the president and ask: who killed Jirongo?”
“Wetang’ula, tell us what you discussed with Cyrus. You spoke every day from 6 a.m. Kenyans want the truth,” Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale stated.
Fred Gumo challenged claims about the bus’s headlights, insisting on full disclosure.
Fred Gumo, former MP, added: “The vehicle said to have hit Jirongo had its headlights on. We want the truth. Stop taking Kenyans in circles.”
Cultural Rituals Spark Debate
Luhya elders, particularly from the Tiriki clan, pushed for burying Jirongo with an illuminated torch and porcupine quills to expose conspirators, believing the light’s extinguishing would signal their downfall .
Senator Khalwale performed a torch ritual by the casket without placing it inside, invoking justice.
However, funeral committee chair Fred Gumo rejected such rites as outdated, prioritizing a dignified send-off for Jirongo’s modern family.
Wetang’ula recalled his last meeting with Jirongo, while Mudavadi promised transparency in the probe .
Leaders like Edwin Sifuna expressed distrust in government investigations, advocating traditional methods alongside official ones .
“We do not trust the government to conduct the investigation properly. Let our relatives follow up on matters themselves,” Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna said.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa echoed calls for the torch ritual to uncover the truth.
Fernandes Barasa, governor of Kakamega, added: “Many are calling for matters relating to the torch to be addressed so that the truth is known.”
The burial proceeded privately, limiting access to family and close friends while barring most political leaders from the gravesite .
This followed disputes at Kitale Airstrip and Jirongo’s home over entry rituals. Family members eulogized him as a devoted father and generous figure.