Jirongo’s Burial Takes New Twist as Wetang’ula Warns Mourners Against Cultural Rituals

Questions continue to surround the death of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo weeks after the fatal road crash that claimed his life, with public debate growing louder and more divided.

Jirongo died at about 2am after the Mercedes-Benz he was travelling in collided head-on with a Climax Coaches bus along the Naivasha highway.

Authorities initially described the incident as a traffic accident, but conflicting accounts have since fueled speculation online.

Investigators are still reconstructing Jirongo’s final movements. Different versions have emerged from the bus driver, a security guard who saw events unfold at a petrol station shortly before the crash, and the bus company.

Notably, none of the passengers who were aboard the bus have publicly recorded statements.

As questions persist, some Kenyans—largely from Jirongo’s community—have called for the involvement of clan elders.

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi intensified the debate by suggesting that Jirongo be buried according to Tiriki traditions, including a ritual involving a lit torch placed on the grave to symbolically reveal responsibility for the death.

The proposal sparked mixed reactions, prompting National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to urge restraint.

While condoling with the family at Jirongo’s Lumakanda home, Wetang’ula warned against politicising the tragedy and turning it into public spectacle.

Wetang’ula revealed he was among the last people to meet Jirongo before the accident, describing their friendship as spanning more than three decades.

He said the loss affected him deeply, urging Kenyans to remember that the heaviest burden is carried by the family.

“In African tradition, we stand with grieving families early,” he said, adding that public excitement and political commentary only deepen the pain for widows and children.

The condolence visit drew several leaders, including Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah and Siaya Governor James Orengo.

Both raised concerns over unanswered questions, including CCTV footage and the whereabouts of bus passengers after the crash.

Orengo claimed Jirongo had faced persistent state pressure due to his political influence and insisted the circumstances of his death deserved serious scrutiny, even offering to legally support the family.