Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya urged Tiriki elders to use old customs in burying former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo. He wants them to put a lit torch inside the casket.
He spoke on Sunday, December 21, 2025. This was in Milima Ward. The event was an initiation rite at former MCA Elvis Abuka’s home. Natembeya said Tiriki rules allow this for deaths that are unclear or shady.
The governor explained their ways. They bury the dead with a burning torch in such cases. It stands for seeking truth.
People believe the flame lights up the killers. When it dies out, so do they.
Natembeya thinks this rite for Jirongo will haunt anyone who hurt him. They won’t find rest. Truth will come out.
“Na mimi naambia Watiriki, kwa sababu Mtiriki mtu wao akikufa kwa njia ambayo haijulikani, wanazikwa na torch. Hiyo torch inawekwa makaa na inamulika, inaenda kuwamulika wale ambao walimaliza marehemu. Wakati inazima, yule aliua pia anazima. Tunazika Jirongo, lakini tunazika na torch. Aki ya Mungu, kama kuna mtu aliguza Jirongo, ataenda,” Natembeya said.
The governor added that other Luhya leaders fought state wrongs in the past. They died in strange ways too. He says no one should brush off or forget Jirongo’s death.
His words came soon after Tiriki elders went to Jirongo’s home. They cursed any part in his death.
One elder, Wandabuli, wore church robes from the African Divine Church in Western Kenya. In prayer, he told Jirongo’s spirit to chase killers without stop. No peace for them.
“If there is anybody involved in Jirongo’s death, we tell him not to rest and to lie supine and follow that killer to the grave,” elder Wandabuli prayed.
Thomas Ingara led the group. He handles Tiriki customs. He called Jirongo the community’s pride. Many admired him.
Ingara warned that Tiriki blood would hunt down killers to their end.
“Mimi ni mwifadhi mila na tamaduni za Mtiriki. Jirongo alipita kwa mikono yangu hii. Jirongo ndio macho ya Watiriki. Sisi pahali tuko tunafikirianga Jirongo pekee yake. Kwa bahati mbaya ametoka katikati yetu, lakini hatuwezi kubadilisha chochote. Mdomo wa Watiriki au damu ya Watiriki itazungumza yote,” Thomas Ingara said.
Natembeya’s idea fits into Jirongo’s funeral plans.
The burial is set for Lumakanda on December 30, 2025.
