Former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Shakhalaga Khwa Jirongo, widely known simply as Cyrus Jirongo, died on December 13, 2025, in a road accident at Karai area, Naivasha, Nakuru County.
Police reported that his Mercedes Benz collided head‑on with a passenger bus at around 3:00 a.m. The 64‑year‑old was driving alone and succumbed to head injuries on the spot.
His passing has drawn tributes from President William Ruto, senior political leaders, and colleagues across the divide, underscoring the influence of a man whose career spanned decades in politics, business, and public life.
Early Life and Education
Jirongo was born in 1961 in Western Province, just a few years before Kenya gained independence from Britain. He attended the prestigious Mang’u High School between 1978 and 1981.
Besides politics, Jirongo was a shrewd businessman with diverse interests. His wealth and lifestyle during the 1990s made him a household name, though he later faced financial challenges and legal battles, including bankruptcy declarations.
Rise Through Youth for KANU ’92
Jirongo rose to national prominence in the early 1990s as the leader of Youth for KANU ’92 (YK ’92), a firebrand lobby group formed to campaign for President Daniel arap Moi’s re‑election after Kenya embraced multiparty democracy.
The group included ambitious young politicians such as Joe Kimkung, Fred Kiptanui, Joe Mwangale, Sammy Kogo, and Victor Kebenei. Jirongo was nominated chairman, with Sam Nyamweya as treasurer and Gerald Bomett as vice‑chair.
Importantly, Kenya’s current President William Ruto was part of YK ’92, though the two would later fall out politically.
Parliamentary and Ministerial Career
Jirongo was elected Lugari MP in 1997 on a KANU ticket, serving until 2002. In the final months of Moi’s rule, he was appointed Minister for Rural Development.
After KANU’s decline, Jirongo sought to carve his own path. He founded the Kenya African Democratic Development Union (KADDU) in 2006, reclaiming the Lugari seat in 2007 and serving until 2013.
He later formed the United Democratic Party (UDP) and contested the presidency in 2017, garnering about 11,000 votes. In 2022, he vied unsuccessfully for the Kakamega gubernatorial seat.
Political Style and Personal Life
Jirongo was known for his lavish lifestyle during his heyday and his outspoken, fearless style in politics. He openly advocated for polygamy, describing his large family as part of his identity.
Until his death, he had maintained a lower profile but was warming up to the United Opposition.
Tributes From Leaders
President William Ruto mourned Jirongo as “a relentless go‑getter, a seasoned businessman, and a consummate politician who refused to be defined, let alone defeated, by life’s challenges.”
He described him as “blunt yet warm, bold yet approachable, enlightened and endlessly entrepreneurial… generous to a fault.”
Other leaders also paid tribute:
- National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula: “He leaves an indelible mark on the political landscape of Kenya as a trailblazing youth in the 1990s.”
- KANU Chairman Gideon Moi: Remembered him as bold, loyal, humorous, and unapologetic in his convictions.
- Francis Atwoli, COTU Secretary‑General: “He was an asset to our community and Kenya. We loved him, but God loved him more.”
- Saboti MP Caleb Amisi: Cancelled his birthday celebrations in respect, calling Jirongo “an astute politician who spoke uncomfortable truths.”
- ODM Leader Oburu Odinga and Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka: Both described him as a charismatic leader whose voice will be remembered in Kenya’s national discourse.
Legacy of Cyrus Jirongo
Cyrus Jirongo’s life reflected the complexities of Kenya’s political evolution. From his days as a youthful mobiliser in YK ’92 to his years in parliament and ministerial office, he remained a fearless, unapologetic, and influential figure.
He will be remembered as
- A trailblazer of youth politics in the 1990s.
- A charismatic leader who shaped debates in Kenya’s multiparty era.
- A businessman and family man, celebrated for his generosity and loyalty.
As Kenya mourns his passing, Jirongo’s legacy endures in the memories of those he influenced, the institutions he helped shape, and the communities he served.
