Uhuru Kenyatta honours Jirongo’s bold leadership in heartfelt tribute
By Steve Ireri, December 13, 2025Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has joined Kenyans across the country in mourning the passing of former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Shakhalaga Khwa Jirongo, who died in a road accident in the early hours of Saturday, December 13, 2025.
In a statement released through his official channels on the same day, the 4th President remembered Jirongo as a courageous and principled leader whose commitment to the youth and national development left a lasting imprint.
“Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has joined the people of Lugari and Kenyans at large in mourning the death of former Member of Parliament Cyrus Shakhalaga Khwa Jirongo, who died in a road accident along the Naivasha-Nakuru Highway early Saturday morning,” Uhuru’s statement read in part.
The former Head of State noted that Jirongo’s courage, wit, and commitment to standing up for what he believed in will remain etched in the memories of all who interacted with him.
“His courage, wit, and commitment to standing up for what he believed in will forever be etched in the minds of those who interacted with him,” the statement added.
He then extended heartfelt condolences to the late legislator’s family, friends, and supporters, praying for them to find comfort and strength in the midst of grief.
“The former Head of State extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and supporters of the late Lugari legislator, praying that God grants them comfort and strength during this time of grief,” the statement said.
Untimely passing
Jirongo, a well-known businessman and politician, passed away following a collision along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway, near the Karai area of Naivasha, at approximately 3:00 a.m.
Preliminary reports indicate that the former legislator was driving himself to his rural home in Lugari when his vehicle collided head-on with a Climax Coach bus.
The crash proved fatal, and Jirongo was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigations into the exact circumstances of the accident are ongoing.
Tributes from political leaders and public figures quickly followed. Bungoma County Governor Ken Lusaka described Jirongo as one of the Luhya nation’s greatest sons, expressing sorrow over the loss of a national figure whose contributions spanned politics and community service.
“Death has robbed us one of our greatest sons. Rest in peace, Hon. Cyrus Jirongo,” Lusaka said.
Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera called him a friend and constituent, lamenting the sudden nature of his passing.
“What is Life !!! Rest well my friend and constituent Hon.Cyrus Shakhalaga Khwa Jirongo!” Nabii Nabwera wrote on Facebook.
Trade unionist Francis Atwoli also paid tribute, noting that Jirongo had been an asset to both his community and Kenya at large.
“This morning, with a lot of shock and sadness, I have learnt of the passing on of Cyrus Jirongo who was an asset to our community and Kenya. We loved him but God loved him more. May your soul rest in peace!” Atwoli wrote on X.
Biography
Cyrus Shakhalaga Khwa Jirongo was born on March 21, 1961, and first gained national prominence in 1992 as the leader of Youth for KANU 92, a youth lobby group formed to support President Daniel arap Moi during Kenya’s first multiparty elections.
His organisational skills and political activism quickly established him as a prominent young leader.
He also served as chairman of AFC Leopards Football Club in 1991 and engaged in several business ventures, particularly in real estate and agriculture, claiming billionaire status at a young age.
Jirongo’s parliamentary career began in 1997 when he was elected MP for Lugari Constituency.
In 2025, he suffered a personal tragedy with the death of one of his daughters.
Jirongo leaves behind a large family and was known for having wives from different communities.