Kalonzo calls for transparent probe into late Cyrus Jirongo’s death
By Kenneth Mwenda, December 16, 2025Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has urged for a transparent investigation into the death of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo.
Taking to X on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Kalonzo described Jirongo as a man of courage and conviction, warm and engaging, unafraid to speak his mind. He recalled a photograph from the 2022 General Election at his Kithimani Farm, which captured Jirongo deep in conversation with fellow politicians, reflecting his commitment to national dialogue and consensus politics.
Kalonzo highlighted Jirongo’s role in the One Kenya Alliance and later in the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition, where he consistently stood for democracy and peaceful competition of ideas.
“We travelled together across the country under the One Kenya Alliance and later within the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition. Our shared conviction was simple: that Kenya’s democracy is strengthened through consensus, national dialogue, and peaceful competition of ideas,” Kalonzo posted.
“Today, however, there are serious and unanswered questions surrounding the circumstances of Hon. Jirongo’s death. These concerns are legitimate and must be addressed openly. His widows— Ann Kanini, Christine Nyokabi, and Ann Lanoi — deserve answers.”
“His family deserves the truth and Kenyans deserve closure. As we prepare to lay CJ to rest on December 30, 2025, I call upon the relevant authorities to carry out a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation.”
“Accountability is not optional. It is essential to public trust and to the rule of law. Nothing should be concealed, and nothing should be ignored. No stone should be left unturned.”
Kalonzo, along with political colleagues including Rigathi Gachagua, Eugene Wamalwa, Speaker Emeritus JB Muturi, Cleo Malala, Gloria Orwoba, Omino Magara, Philip Kisia, TG Gachoka, Ben Momanyi, and Wafula Wamunyinyi, visited Jirongo’s Nairobi home to stand with his family in mourning.
Jirongo, widely known as CJ, was killed in a road accident on December 13, 2025, along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway. He was 64. Police reported that his vehicle collided head-on with a passenger bus at around 3 am.
Despite the official report of a road accident, the circumstances surrounding his final movements remain unclear, prompting calls from both family and colleagues for a detailed investigation.
Family demands answers
The family has voiced concerns about Jirongo’s unexpected presence in Naivasha before the crash. According to George Khaniri, co-chair of the burial committee, Jirongo was expected in Nairobi on the night of December 12, but was later found in Naivasha.
Former Westlands MP Fred Gumo stressed the importance of tracing Jirongo’s movements using available technology, including CCTV footage, to clarify how he ended up on the road where the accident occurred.
The DCI has since obtained CCTV footage capturing Jirongo’s final movements. Preliminary analysis shows that at 2:18 am, he drove into Eagol Petrol Station from Nairobi but did not refuel. By 2:19 am, he had stopped at the station’s exit and made a right turn, heading back towards Nairobi.
Seconds later, his vehicle collided with a Climax Company Ltd bus. The bus driver, Tyrus Kamau Githinji, has been released on cash bail and is expected to report back to the Naivasha Traffic Base on December 22 for further investigation.
Investigators have recorded statements from the petrol station’s night guard, fuel attendant, and the bus driver, and they are preparing to reconstruct Jirongo’s final hours. Additional CCTV footage and passenger statements are also being analysed. A final report will be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions for review.