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Opposition Demands Answers Over Jirongo’s Final Hours Before Fatal Crash

NAIROBI — Opposition politicians have intensified pressure on National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to provide detailed information about his final encounter with former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, mere hours before the politician died in a highway accident.

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Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua led a delegation of opposition figures to Jirongo’s Nairobi residence on Monday, where they called for accelerated investigations into circumstances surrounding the former minister’s death.

Questions Over Final Meeting

Addressing journalists following the condolence visit, Gachagua challenged individuals who spent time with Jirongo during his last evening to break their silence. The former deputy president questioned why those who knew the deceased well have remained quiet about events leading to the fatal collision.

“Kenyans want to know who last saw Cyrus Jirongo. Why haven’t they spoken? These were people he knew and trusted. Their silence raises questions,” Gachagua stated during the media briefing.

The opposition leader drew parallels between Jirongo’s death and the 1975 killing of politician J.M. Kariuki, a case that remains unresolved despite widespread suspicions of foul play five decades later.

Gachagua specifically urged Speaker Wetang’ula to offer comprehensive details about their meeting, including the deceased’s intentions, destination plans, and state of mind during their conversation.

Speaker Explains Last Encounter

Wetang’ula had previously disclosed that he met with Jirongo on the evening of December 12, following that day’s Jamhuri Day national celebrations. According to the Speaker, Jirongo initiated contact requesting an urgent meeting.

The National Assembly leader stated their discussion lasted approximately one hour, from 8:30 pm until 9:30 pm, after which he excused himself citing fatigue and travel plans for the following day to Mazeras.

Wetang’ula said he learned of Jirongo’s death the next morning through condolence messages on his mobile device, expressing shock at the news.

Fatal Highway Collision

The accident occurred during early morning hours on December 13 along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway near Karai, when Jirongo’s vehicle collided with an oncoming passenger bus operated by Climax Company Ltd. Directorate of Criminal Investigations officers have confirmed the incident happened that night, though social media speculation has suggested possible evidence tampering.

Preliminary surveillance footage shows Jirongo at Eagol Petrol Station at 2:18 am before traveling back toward Nairobi, shortly before the fatal impact occurred.

Political Pressure Mounts

The condolence delegation included prominent opposition figures such as Eugene Wamalwa, former National Assembly Speaker JB Muturi, Senators Cleo Malala and Gloria Orwoba, among others. The group appealed to President William Ruto to direct law enforcement to prioritize the investigation.

Opposition leaders also called for testimony from passengers aboard the bus involved in the collision, seeking their account of events.

Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka described Jirongo as a principled politician whose family and the nation deserve clarity regarding his death. Writing on social media platform X, Kalonzo urged authorities to conduct transparent and independent inquiries ahead of Jirongo’s planned burial on December 30.

Ongoing Investigation

Investigators are examining security camera recordings and collecting statements from individuals who interacted with the former lawmaker before the crash. This includes persons present at a gathering at Karen Oasis Bar and Restaurant earlier that evening.

Jirongo, who was 64 at the time of his death, gained national recognition in 1992 as leader of Youth for KANU 92, a political mobilization group that supported President Daniel arap Moi during Kenya’s transition to multiparty democracy.

The DCI has not yet released findings regarding the cause of the collision or whether additional factors contributed to the accident.