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Fred Gumo expresses reservations about torch ritual to haunt those behind Jirongo’s death
29th December, 2025 06:06 PM
Former Westlands Member of Parliament Fred Gumo has poured cold water on calls to use a traditional torch ritual to identify those responsible for the death of former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo, insisting that only thorough investigations can establish the truth.
Speaking during a memorial service attended by senior government and security officials, including National Police Service Deputy Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli, Gumo said speculation and superstition would not help the family or the country.
Gumo noted that while emotions around Jirongo’s death remain high, Kenyans should allow investigators to do their work without pressure or distractions.
Questions around the bus
Raising key questions surrounding the fatal accident, Gumo said there were glaring inconsistencies that must be addressed through proper investigations.
“It does not add up. Kuna kitu moja watu wanauliza. Ile basi iligongana na Jirongo ilikuwa inaenda Busia. Na 90 per cent ya wale watu lazima walikuwa Waluhya, na hakuna hata mtu mmoja amejitokeza kusema alikuwa kwa hiyo basi iligonga Jirongo,” Gumo said.
He questioned how none of the passengers had publicly spoken about the incident, arguing that it was unusual given how people typically react after accidents.
“Mimi napitanga kwa bus ambayo imefanya accident. Ata wenye walikuwa wanataka kukojoa wanatoka hiyo time,” he said.
“Na hiyo basi kitambo ingine itoke Nairobi, ifike nje ibebe hawa passengers, si kuna watu katika hiyo basi watakuwa wameona accident?,” Gumo added.
Gumo further dismissed claims suggesting passengers may have left the scene on foot, questioning the logic behind such assertions.
“Ati wanasema walienda na miguu? Wapi?” he posed.
Rejects torch ritual
The former MP strongly rejected proposals to use a torch ritual to uncover the truth, saying it sends the wrong message about confidence in law enforcement.
“Ukiona watu wameenda hadi wanataka kutumia torch, eti wanaona polisi wameshindwa na kazi,” Gumo said. “Hii torch itaweza kama polisi hawawezi?”
He emphasised that speculation would only weaken public trust and turn serious investigations into rumours.
“What we want ni maswali itokee. Investigations iwe thorough na wananchi waambiwe,” he stated.
Gumo concluded by saying he would rely solely on official investigations, warning that jumping to conclusions would be irresponsible.
“Mimi, I rely on investigations juu nikianza speculations nitakaa mtu bure kabisa,” he said.
His remarks come amid growing public debate over the circumstances surrounding Jirongo’s death, with pressure mounting on authorities to provide clear and comprehensive findings.
