President Ruto Joins Kenyans in Mourning Former MP Cyrus Jirongo
Cabinet Secretary for Interior, Kipchumba Murkomen, considered Jirongo a “feisty political organizer and a savvy businessman.”
A file image of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo.Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
President William Ruto has also joined Kenyans in mourning the death of Cyrus Jirongo, a former member of parliament for the Lugari constituency, who lost his life in a road accident that occurred on Saturday along the Nairobi-Nakura highway. The death has sent a wave of mourning all over the country, with people commending him on his life.
In a touching posting on his social media page, President Ruto described Jirongo as a close friend in addition to being a towering figure within the political and business spheres in Kenya. He commended him as a strong leader whose impact will never be forgotten.
“It is with a heavy heart that I hear of the death of my friend, ex-Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo. Jirongo was a go-getter, an experienced businessman, and a politician who never allowed life’s challenges to define, let alone defeat, him,” said Ruto in his message. Ruto described Jirongo as a fighter who lived his life on his own terms, never hesitating to take tough decisions and pursue his ambitious dreams. “He is a fighter in every sense—tough but warm, fearless but approachable, enlightened but eternally entrepreneurial,” said Ruto
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Ruto also commended the generous side of Jirongo, who was always willing to lift other people through his time, resources, and connections.
Tributes for Jirongo soon started pouring in from the political corridors. The leader of the Wiper Party, Kalonzo Musyoka, eulogized the late MP as a “bold, charismatic, and colorful leader.” The late MP, according to Musyoka, “will be remembered for a long time for his boldness in taking on conventions when he championed his ideals with distinction.”
The Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, echoed similar views, identifying Jirongo as a visionary who impacted not only the politics of the country but also the business environment. Mudavadi identified his earlier life as a member of ‘YK ’92’ during the regime of the late President Daniel Moi, with his contributions to the real estate sector, which include developments such as Hazina, South B, and Saika Estate, Kayole.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, cited Jirongo’s importance as a pioneering youth leader during the 1990s, while the Former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, considered Jirongo a dedicated servant in government who practiced his duties for the people of Lugari. The Cabinet Secretary for Interior, Kipchumba Murkomen, considered Jirongo a “feisty political organizer and a savvy businessman.”
Former and current MPs, together with ex and current Cabinet members, attended Lee Funeral Home on Saturday to collect the body of Jirongo, with many messages pouring in from all over the country. Former Minister Fred Gumo remembered how he played a pivotal part in organizing youths to support President Moi in 1992, saying, “He did so much for this country.”
Jirongo, a past presidential aspirant who played a pivotal role in the YK ’92 movement, will be remembered not only for his political contribution but also for his philanthropy, warmth, and touch within the political and business platforms in Kenya. The people of Kenya are still grappling with the loss of a great leader whose life made a permanent impact on the country.
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