A well-known legal expert Kibe Mungai has voiced significant concerns regarding the conditions surrounding the passing of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, asserting that the available information implies the event might not have been a simple traffic collision.
In an interview on December 15, 2025, Mungai appealed to officials to investigate further than preliminary accounts, while the nation awaits the autopsy results.
Mungai stated, “There is only one account, which is from the driver. This is highly uncommon in typical situations. Jirongo’s passing does not seem to be a genuine accident.”
He observed that the lack of impartial observers or supporting proof at the location signals significant concerns. He argued that such inconsistencies justify a more thorough investigation by authorities to ascertain a comprehensive and believable explanation of the circumstances preceding the former legislator’s demise.
Mungai inquired about the conditions causing the former legislator to be on the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway during the predawn hours. He contended that Jirongo’s established itinerary and intentions did not correspond to a journey to Naivasha during the night, creating uncertainty about whether the trip was predetermined or chosen, and strengthening appeals for investigators to thoroughly piece together his last moments.
“While awaiting autopsy findings,” he added, “it seems extremely improbable that Cyrus Jirongo would have traveled to Naivasha by his own free will. Furthermore, at the crash site, there were no other individuals present, nor any other form of evidence.”
Fatal Collision
Jirongo, 64, passed away during the predawn hours of December 13, 2025, after a direct impact crash between his Mercedes-Benz and a Climax Coach bus on the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway, specifically in the Karai area of Naivasha. Police reports state the incident happened around 3 a.m., with Jirongo dying from his wounds at the site.
The bus, en route from Nairobi to Busia with 65 occupants, reported no significant harm to anyone on board. The driver, Tirus Kamau, claimed the former MP’s vehicle swerved into his path while trying to pass, leaving him with few choices to prevent an impact that could have jeopardized his passengers.
Kamau asserted that his maneuvers helped reduce injury to those in the bus, an account which has since formed the foundation of preliminary official statements as inquiries proceed.
Uncertainties Over Jirongo’s Final Movements
Despite the official account, uncertainties remain concerning why Jirongo was in Naivasha at such a late time. Relatives have indicated he was last observed on the evening of December 12 in Nairobi’s Karen area and intended to go back to his Gigiri residence. They assert he had no scheduled activities in Naivasha.
George Khaniri, co-chair of the burial committee, expressed doubt about the details concerning the journey, inquiring, “How did he end up in a vehicle, in Naivasha, heading back to Nairobi?” Former MP Fred Gumo has also urged investigators to examine CCTV recordings along the path to determine the vehicle’s trajectory.
The United Democratic Party (UDP), previously led by Jirongo, has sought explanations regarding who he interacted with after 9 p.m., why he journeyed unaccompanied and unescorted, and what motivated the nighttime travel.
An influential personality in Kenyan politics for over three decades, Jirongo is known for heading Youth for KANU ’92, holding office for two mandates as Lugari MP, and running for the presidency in 2017. His interment is planned for December 30, 2025, in Lumakanda, Kakamega County, as inquiries into his demise are ongoing.
