President Ruto Leads the Nation in Mourning Former Lugari MP

By Dorothy Musyoka

President William Ruto has led the country in mourning the passing of former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo.

The President described Jirongo as a relentless go-getter, a seasoned businessman, and a consummate politician who refused to be defined, let alone defeated, by life’s challenges.

“Jirongo was a relentless go-getter, a seasoned businessman, and a consummate politician who refused to be defined, let alone defeated, by life’s challenges,” stated the President.

“He was a fighter in every sense: blunt yet warm, bold yet approachable, enlightened and endlessly entrepreneurial,” he added.

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Musalia Mudavadi described Jirongo as an approachable leader.

“The news of Hon. Cyrus Jirongo’s passing is deeply saddening. Kenya has lost a leader whose influence helped shape our politics, our business landscape and our national story for decades,” Mudavadi said.

“Hon. Jirongo was a witty and warm-hearted leader, always approachable, never dismissive, and known for offering a listening ear to anyone who sought his time. He carried himself with a simplicity that made him relatable to people from all walks of life,” stated Mudavadi.

According to Mudavadi, Jirongo captured national attention in the early 1990s when, he played a key role in steering the YK ’92 movement during President Daniel arap Moi’s re-election campaign in the early multiparty era.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula mourned Jirongo stating that he has left an indelible mark on political landscape.

“Am shocked and saddened by the untimely and sadden demise of Hon Jirongo in a tragic accident. He leaves an indelible mark on the political landscape of Kenya as a political trailblazing youth in the 1990s. His family & friends are in our prayers.RIP brother,” stated Wetangula.

The former MP succumbed due to serious head injuries after his car was involved in a head-on collision with a Climax Coach bus along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway.