DCI Rules Out Foul Play in Death of Former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has concluded that the death of veteran Kenyan politician and former Cabinet minister Cyrus Jirongo resulted from a road traffic accident, with no evidence indicating foul play.
Jirongo, a prominent figure known for his role in the Youth for Kanu '92 movement and his tenure as Lugari Member of Parliament, died on the night of December 13, 2025, in a collision at the Karai area along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway.
The incident involved Jirongo's Mercedes Benz vehicle and a passenger bus operated by Climax Coaches. Preliminary reports indicate a head-on collision occurred around 3 a.m., with Jirongo pronounced dead at the scene.
A multi-agency team comprising homicide detectives, experts from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau, and forensic specialists from the National Forensic Laboratory conducted a thorough probe. Investigators processed the accident scene, preserved exhibits, documented physical evidence, and recovered CCTV footage from a nearby Egol petrol station for forensic analysis.
Additional evidence included the bus passenger manifest and amateur videos captured at the scene. Statements were recorded from multiple witnesses, including Jirongo's widow, Ann Lanoi Pertet, who was the first family member notified after the incident. The bus driver and conductor provided accounts, as did staff at the petrol station.
Senior politicians, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, Rebman Malala, and businessman Ibrahim Sambul, voluntarily gave statements after confirming they had met with Jirongo at the Karen Oasis restaurant on the evening of December 12, 2025.
Seven passengers from the Climax bus also came forward to record statements, along with the driver of another vehicle allegedly involved in rescue efforts.
Based on the evidence collected and analyzed, authorities determined the incident was purely a road traffic accident. The investigation file will be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for further guidance, which may include potential charges against the bus driver for dangerous driving causing death.
The Directorate extended condolences to Jirongo's family, relatives, and friends, while urging the public and political leaders to refrain from speculation that could interfere with the process or heighten unnecessary anxiety. Anyone with additional information has been encouraged to assist the ongoing inquiries.
Jirongo was laid to rest on December 30, 2025, at his family homestead in Lumakanda, Kakamega County. His political career spanned decades, marked by bold ambition and significant influence in Kenyan politics during the 1990s and beyond.