Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has visited the home of the late former Lugari Member of Parliament (MP), Cyrus Jirongo, in Lumakanda, Kakamega.

The visit took place on Sunday, December 14, 2025, a day after Jirongo’s life was cut short following a tragic road accident in the Karai area in Naivasha at around 3:00 a.m. He was travelling back to Nairobi at the time of the accident.

Jirongo’s Lumakanda home appeared deserted, with an atmosphere reflecting the absence of its owner. Khalwale was received by a handful of relatives, neighbours and friends, who ushered him into the house where they sang and prayed together.

Khalwale expressed deep sorrow following the passing of Jirongo, whom he described as a close friend.

“It’s very sad; Jirongo was my friend.”

His visit to the home shortly after Jirongo’s death was a clear testament to the close bond the two shared during Jirongo’s lifetime.

Jirongo endorsing Khalwale

During the 2022 General Election campaigns, when the two were on opposing political sides, Khalwale being in Kenya Kwanza and supporting Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Malala for the Kakamega Gubernatorial seat, while Jirongo was eyeing the same seat under the Azimio ticket, Jirongo nonetheless endorsed Khalwale for the Senate seat.

He stated that despite their political differences and camps, he had confidence in Khalwale’s candidature, noting that Khalwale was best positioned to serve as senator and the only one who is able to articulate the needs of the people of Western Kenya.

Khalwale has never taken this endorsement for granted and has on several occasions expressed appreciation to Jirongo for the gesture by replaying the footage.

Following the announcement of Jirongo’s death, Khalwale again reposted the clip of the endorsement as a way of honouring the late leader who defied his coalition’s direction and endorsing him.

Kakamega governor’s visit

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has also visited the late MP’s home and donated Ksh100,000 to kickstart burial arrangements.

Other leaders have been visiting Jirongo’s homes in Vihiga, where he was born, his Kitale home, and his Gigiri residence to pay tribute and condole with the family.

Jirongo’s body is currently lying at Lee Funeral Home.