Truth or Punishment? Mixed Reactions as Guard Who Spoke on Jirongo Crash Is Sacked

The dismissal of security guard Ephraim Cheptek has sparked national debate after he gave a public account of the road accident that claimed the life of former MP Cyrus Jirongo.

Cheptek, who was on duty at Eagol Petrol Station along the busy Nairobi–Nakuru Highway, was among the first people at the scene when Jirongo’s Mercedes-Benz collided head-on with a Climax Coach bus in the early hours of December 13.

Cheptek’s firing came shortly after he spoke to the media, sharing what he said were eyewitness details of Jirongo’s final moments.

His account differed from the version given by the bus driver, who claimed the former legislator was overtaking when the crash occurred.

According to Cheptek, the road was clear and Jirongo briefly entered the petrol station from the Nairobi direction, slowed down as if to refuel, then drove through and rejoined the highway, where the fatal collision happened moments later.

The decision to sack Cheptek has drawn sharp criticism from the Private Security Workers Union, which has termed the move unfair and punitive.

Union Secretary General Isaac Andabwa argued that the guard was simply performing his professional duty by assisting investigators and sharing information about an incident that occurred while he was officially on duty.

He warned that failure to reinstate Cheptek could lead to legal action over unfair termination and intimidation of a security officer.

Public reaction has been mixed. Some Kenyans have expressed concern that Cheptek’s dismissal sends a chilling message to potential witnesses, discouraging them from speaking out in matters of public interest.

Others argue that private security firms have internal rules on media engagement, and that employees must adhere to company protocols regardless of circumstances.

The controversy has also reignited calls for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the crash.

The conflicting narratives surrounding Jirongo’s death have fueled speculation, with many questioning why a witness would be punished for offering information that could help establish the truth.

On social media and in public forums, Kenyans continue to debate whether Cheptek is a whistleblower being silenced or an employee who overstepped professional boundaries.