Oburu donates money during his condolence visit to Jirongo’s family
By Mabonga Makhanu, December 23, 2025Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader, who also doubles as the Siaya Senator, Oburu Odinga, donated money during his condolence visit to the family of the late Lugari MP, Cyrus Jirongo, in Lumakanda to be used in funeral preparations.
The visit was on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, when he led a section of ODM leaders to the home of the late YK’92 leader, who breathed his last following a tragic road accident that occurred in the Keralla area.
The incident happened a short distance before Naivasha town, at around 3:00 a.m., after a head-on collision with a Climax Coach bus heading to Busia.
Oburu, just like his late brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, donned traditional attire and a whisk as he presented his condolence gift to the family. Oburu, armed with Kenyan shilling notes, whose amount he did not reveal, proceeded to hand them over to the family.
He was accompanied by Orange Democratic Movement Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, who donated Ksh100,000, with an unannounced amount set aside for the youth who were present.
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ also supported Oburu’s contribution with Ksh100,000, which was subdivided among the men and women present.
Wanga’s visit
This came a day after a separate group led by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, alongside other ODM leaders, visited the family and fundraised towards funeral arrangements. This came as a top-up after gifting bulls and fish to the family to be used as vegetables.
“Najua tumekuja na mboga, lakini lazima mboga ikulwe na ugali. Nataka kuwaambia hawa viongozi watoe ugali,” Wanga said, prompting leaders present to contribute.
The funds were officially received by Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, while Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi opened the fundraiser with a contribution of Ksh100,000.
He was followed by Suna East MP Junet Mohammed, who donated Ksh200,000.
Migori Woman Representative Rosa Buyu contributed Ksh50,000, while Kakamega Woman Representative and gubernatorial hopeful Elsie Muhanda added Ksh200,000.
Nominated Senator Catherine Muma donated Ksh50,000, with Wanga closing the fundraiser with Ksh300,000.
Oburu’s visit
Oburu Odinga defended his visit to the Jirongo family, stating that the deceased was his personal friend and also an ally of his late brother, Raila Odinga.
He said they had known each other since 1992, a time when Jirongo was the leader of YK’92, a youth-led group tasked with securing the re-election of former President Daniel Moi.
He further stated that Jirongo also played a role in the Handshake government, which saw Raila Odinga and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta set aside their differences and agree to work together following the volatile 2017 General Election.