Arap Kirwa: Despite having many offices in town, Jirongo always went home for lunch
By Mabonga Makhanu, December 17, 2025Former Agriculture Minister Kipruto Arap Kirwa has spoken about a lesser-known aspect of the late Cyrus Jirongo.
While speaking during a podcast on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Kirwa revealed that despite Jirongo having several offices in Nairobi, he made it a habit to commute home every day for lunch.
According to Kirwa, Jirongo would leave his offices at Loita House, Anniversary Towers, or Development House and head home to share a simple lunch, often ugali and a modest meal, with his family.
Kirwa said this was a rare discipline that many leaders struggle to maintain, noting that such moments allow family members, especially children, to bond with their parents. He described this routine as a virtue that younger generations should strive to uphold, emphasising that family matters above all else.
“Because something that I admired in him, which I’ve not been able to consistently keep, is that every day, throughout the weekday, whether he has an office in loiter house, or he has an office in development house, because our anniversary towers used to go home for lunch, simple lunch, ugali and something that is something that many of us don’t have that discipline” arap kirwa stated.
Deeply missed
He added that while many people interacted with Jirongo in business and politics, it is ultimately the family that feels his absence the most. Kirwa noted that whereas some individuals may privately feel relieved due to unresolved financial obligations, the family is not mourning money but the person, Jirongo, whom they deeply miss.
He also recalled their early years together at Mang’u High School, where they were schoolmates. Kirwa explained that Jirongo joined the Thika-based school when he was in Form Two and quickly stood out due to his outspoken nature. This trait saw Jirongo rise to become the debate chairman after Kirwa exited the prestigious institution.
After leaving Mang’u, the two later crossed paths again in the political arena about four years later, where they reconnected and maintained their relationship in public life.
Jirongo’s death
These reflections come at a time when friends and family are demanding answers surrounding the death of the father of 38. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has launched an inquest into the circumstances surrounding Jirongo’s death, which occurred following a road accident.
Detectives have already obtained CCTV footage, and several individuals have provided statements as the investigation continues.