Fear? What Late Jirongo Used to Do Secretly Whenever He Shared a Drink With CS Mudavadi

Fresh details have emerged shedding light on the deep political mistrust that shaped interactions among senior leaders during the era of former president Daniel arap Moi.

A report published by the Daily Nation has revealed an unusual habit exhibited by the late former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo whenever he shared drinks with current Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

At the height of his political influence, Jirongo had fallen out with Moi and aligned himself with opposition figures seeking to weaken the ruling establishment.

During this period, he also sought to position himself as a dominant political voice within the Luhya community, a move that created rivalry and tension among leaders from the region.

Despite their political differences, Jirongo and Mudavadi occasionally met socially, often over drinks, as they navigated the uneasy relationship shaped by competition for regional influence.

However, the report indicates that these meetings were marked by visible caution on Jirongo’s part.

According to the account, whenever Mudavadi briefly left the table and later returned, Jirongo would quietly ask the bartender for a fresh glass before continuing to drink.

This practice reportedly stemmed from Jirongo’s deep suspicion of individuals he believed were closely linked to Moi.

Mudavadi was viewed by Jirongo as having strong historical ties to the former president through his late father, Moses Mudavadi, who served in Moi’s government and remained a trusted ally.

This association is said to have fuelled Jirongo’s mistrust at a time when he feared political sabotage and state surveillance.

The revelation highlights the level of anxiety and suspicion that defined high-level politics during the Moi era, particularly among leaders who had fallen out with the establishment.

Observers note that Jirongo’s actions reflected the intense political pressure of the time, when even private social interactions were clouded by fear and uncertainty.

The account adds another layer to the complex legacy of Cyrus Jirongo, whose political life was marked by ambition, rivalry and constant caution in an unforgiving political climate.