In a revelation that has reignited debates around the mysterious circumstances of former Cabinet Minister and Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo’s death, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua disclosed that Jirongo had been deeply concerned about his personal safety in the weeks leading up to the fatal accident.
Speaking during his farewell ceremony, Karua said the late politician had been making active arrangements to bolster his security. Her comments raise pressing questions about the events surrounding Jirongo’s untimely death.
Martha Karua Reveals Jirongo Expressed Safety Concerns
Martha Karua, a long-time friend and political ally of Cyrus Jirongo, stated during the farewell event on Saturday, December 7, that Jirongo had been proactive in seeking measures to protect himself. According to Karua, Jirongo was in the process of implementing enhanced safety strategies, signaling that he feared for his life even before the tragic accident occurred.
“I want to say something that has not been said, that Cyrus had concerns about his safety, and he was actually making arrangements to better secure himself,” Karua noted. She added that unless the government made significant progress in investigating the accident, controversial questions surrounding Jirongo’s death would persist for years.
Karua described Jirongo as a committed patriot and a person with a large heart, always focused on the well-being of the country. She emphasized their political collaborations over the years and stressed that his death would not halt her resolve to continue working on initiatives they had planned together.
Controversy Over Circumstances Surrounding Cyrus Jirongo’s Death
Jirongo, who served in President Daniel Moi’s Cabinet and later as Lugari MP, died on Saturday, December 13, following a severe road accident on the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway. While the official narrative points to a collision with a 65-seater bus, questions have emerged due to Jirongo’s previously expressed safety concerns and the timing of the crash.
Chama cha Kazi Party leader Moses Kuria, speaking at the same farewell event, called for an exhaustive investigation into Jirongo’s death. In a symbolic gesture reflecting certain Western Kenyan traditions, Kuria offered to purchase a customary torch to be buried alongside Jirongo. This ritual, often used to identify the killers of a deceased person, underscores the depth of suspicion surrounding the incident.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has taken the lead in probing the accident. Investigators have been analysing Jirongo’s mobile phone to reconstruct his final movements and interrogating the bus driver involved in the crash. The latest findings include CCTV footage showing Jirongo’s white saloon car entering the station from Nairobi at 2:18 am, bypassing fuel pumps, making a U-turn, and colliding head-on with the bus at 2:19:25 am.
Family and Political Leaders Demand Full Accountability
The outpouring of grief over Jirongo’s death has been accompanied by rising demands for clarity and accountability. Karua urged the government and investigative bodies to expedite a thorough inquiry, highlighting that lingering doubts could cast a shadow over public trust. She emphasized that Jirongo’s family and political allies deserved answers, stressing that his safety concerns before the accident must be taken seriously.
Political analysts note that Jirongo was known for his outspoken and sometimes controversial stances, which may have made him a target for political adversaries. The revelation that he feared for his safety adds a complex dimension to understanding the events that led to his demise.
The Man Cyrus Jirongo and Implications of His Death
Martha Karua and other political figures have reflected on Jirongo’s contributions to Kenyan politics, underscoring his determination to impact the country positively. Karua described him as a man dedicated to collaboration and political progress, citing multiple instances of joint initiatives that they had undertaken over the years.
With the nation still reeling from the loss, the mystery surrounding Jirongo’s death continues to dominate headlines. The combination of his proactive safety measures, the suspicious circumstances of the crash, and cultural rituals calling for identification of perpetrators ensures that discussions around the case will remain active in political and social circles.
The DCI’s ongoing investigation is critical to clarifying the chain of events and providing closure to both Jirongo’s family and the public. Until then, the legacy of Cyrus Jirongo will be intertwined with both his political achievements and the unanswered questions surrounding his tragic death.
