Karua: Jirongo feared for his safety
By Faith Lagat, December 27, 2025Revelations that the late former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo had expressed concerns about his personal safety shortly before his death dominated tributes during his requiem mass at Christ Is The Answer Ministries (CITAM) Valley Road on Saturday, December 27, 2025.
People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua disclosed that Jirongo was actively making arrangements to enhance his security when the tragic road accident occurred on December 13, 2025, along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway near Karai in Naivasha.
“Cyrus was present in many political seasons, and Moses Kuria mentioned some of this in the run-up to the 2022 elections. We were planning on collaborating moving forward, and that is not going to stop. I say aluta continua,” Karua noted.
“And I want to say something that maybe has not been mentioned: Cyrus had concerns about his safety. He was actually making arrangements to better secure himself. This accident came before that time, so those questions will linger.”
“But for now, we stand with the family. We say farewell to a person who had a large heart, who was generous, who saw people for who they are a person who not only loved the Mulembe nation but humanity, and who always thought of how he could improve on what was there,” Karua said.
Murathe Highlights Jirongo’s Ventures
Jubilee Party Vice Chairperson David Murathe echoed the sentiment of potential risks tied to Jirongo’s dealings, describing him as an astute businessman involved in high-stakes ventures.
Murathe narrated that Jirongo could effortlessly draft multibillion-dollar deals on pen and paper. In the days leading to his death, Jirongo was pursuing projects including Libya’s reconstruction, a development in Ruai, and a carbon credits deal involving Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.
“Cyrus worked out big deals, some real and some in the sky, but give him a pen and paper and he could craft a multimillion-dollar deal. He was already working on some; he had talked to me about the reconstruction of Libya, his project in Ruai, and carbon credits with Museveni. Above all, he loved this country and wanted stability and visionary leadership,” Murathe said.
Murathe portrayed Jirongo as one of the most misunderstood figures in Kenyan politics, yet deeply patriotic, suggesting his firm principles may have offended influential individuals.
Family and Colleagues Pay Tribute
Business associates, led by former Nairobi Town Clerk Philip Kisia, defended Jirongo’s wealth, stating he amassed billions legitimately through entrepreneurship long before entering politics. They argued that politics actually drained his resources and contributed to financial instability.
The sombre service saw family, friends, and leaders, including Muhoho Kenyatta and former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria pay glowing tributes.
Kuria highlighted Jirongo’s generosity and influence on the Mulembe nation. Mourners viewed Jirongo’s body in the casket amid a heavy atmosphere. He will be laid to rest at his Lumakanda homestead in Lugari Constituency on December 30, 2025.