Fresh Questions Emerge Over Cyrus Jirongo’s Death as Private Investigators Challenge Official Account

New twists have emerged surrounding the death of former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo, after private investigators hired by his family claimed he may not have been alone in the vehicle at the time of the crash that claimed his life. 

The revelations have deepened public interest in the case and intensified calls for a thorough, transparent investigation.

Jirongo died following a road accident whose circumstances remain unclear, prompting grief and speculation across the country. 

While police initially indicated that the former legislator was alone in the vehicle, the family has now raised concerns over inconsistencies in that account, insisting that key questions remain unanswered.

The issue took centre stage during a second memorial service held on Monday at Jirongo’s Maili Saba home in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County. 

Family members, friends, political allies and local leaders gathered to honour his legacy, even as demands for clarity over his final moments grew louder.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli, who attended the ceremony, sought to assure Kenyans that the government is committed to uncovering the truth behind the fatal crash. 

He urged patience and cautioned the public against drawing conclusions before investigations are concluded.

“We want to assure the nation that a comprehensive forensic investigation is ongoing. As the government, we will do everything necessary to establish what happened, and no aspect of this case will be ignored,” Masengeli said.

Despite the assurances, Jirongo’s associates revealed that the family had already commissioned private investigators to independently probe the incident, citing a lack of confidence in the preliminary findings shared so far.

Former Vihiga Senator George Khaniri told mourners that the private investigators had reviewed CCTV footage from the area where the crash occurred. 

According to Khaniri, the footage allegedly shows two occupants seated in the front of the vehicle, raising serious questions about why official reports indicated that Jirongo was alone.

“If there is evidence suggesting there were two people in the car, then the public deserves an explanation. Why was it reported that he was alone after the accident?” Khaniri asked.

Former MP Fred Gumo echoed the concerns, questioning whether basic investigative tools had been fully utilised. 

He suggested that crucial details appeared to have been overlooked, fuelling suspicion and mistrust.

“People are wondering how independent investigators seem to be finding details that official investigations have not clearly addressed,” Gumo remarked.

Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau described Jirongo as a unifying figure whose death has left a leadership vacuum, particularly among the Mulembe community. 

He called on authorities to ensure the investigation is handled with integrity to honour the former MP’s legacy.

Beyond the controversy, the memorial service was marked by emotional tributes from family members who described Jirongo as a devoted patriarch and visionary leader.

One of his widows, Christine Nyokabi, spoke of the personal loss the family is grappling with, recalling their shared passion for farming and development projects. 

“It is hard to accept that we will not have those conversations again,” she said.

Another widow, Anne Lanoi, described Jirongo as the glue that held the extended family together, saying his absence has left a deep emotional void.

Jirongo, a seasoned politician and businessman, was widely regarded as influential in western Kenya politics and beyond. 

His death has not only shocked his supporters but also reignited debates about transparency in investigations involving prominent figures.

The late former MP is scheduled to be laid to rest on Tuesday at his home in Lumakanda, Lugari Sub-County, Kakamega County.