Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has paid a tribute to the late former Lugari Member of Parliament, Cyrus Jirongo, reflecting on a political journey defined by courage, dialogue, and a shared commitment to strengthening Kenya’s democracy.

Speaking after visiting the Gigiri home of the late former Lugari MP on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Kalonzo recounted his personal relationship with the departed as he joined United Opposition leaders to condole with Jirongo’s family following his tragic death in a road accident on Saturday, December 13, 2025.

Among those present were Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, Democratic Action Party (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, among others.

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Kalonzo’s glowing tribute

Kalonzo described Jirongo, fondly known as “CJ”, as a distinguished public servant whose life was cut short at a time when his experience and voice still mattered to the nation. He said CJ was a man of strong convictions, warmth, and honesty, never afraid to speak his mind on national issues.

Recounting their shared political path, Kalonzo recalled working closely with Jirongo during the One Kenya Alliance and later within the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition.

He said their collaboration was anchored on a common belief that Kenya’s democracy thrives on consensus-building, open dialogue, and peaceful competition of ideas.

”He believed deeply in this country and in the power of dialogue to resolve even our hardest political questions. In the days after his passing,” Kalonzo took to X.

The Wiper leader also shared a personal memory triggered by a photograph taken ahead of the 2022 General Election at his Kithimani farm, where Jirongo was pictured alongside Martha Karua, George Wainaina, and Moses Kuria.

According to Kalonzo, the image captured CJ’s true nature, thoughtful, animated, and fully engaged in shaping Kenya’s political future.

”I came across a photograph on my phone taken ahead of the 2022 General Election at my Kithimani Farm, where we met together with Martha Karua, George Wainaina, and Moses Kuria. The image reminded me of “CJ” as he was: thoughtful, animated, and fully present in the moment,” Kalonzo added.

”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. “CJ” stood firmly for these values,” Kalonzo said.

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Transparency in investigations

However, even as he mourned his friend and colleague, Kalonzo raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding Jirongo’s death, saying there are serious and unanswered questions that must be addressed.

He emphasised that these concerns are legitimate and called for transparency from the authorities.

Kalonzo said Jirongo’s widows, Ann Kanini, Christine Nyokabi, and Ann Lanoi, together with the wider family and the Kenyan public, deserve the truth and closure.

As preparations continue for Jirongo’s burial on December 30, 2025, he urged relevant agencies to conduct a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the incident.