Cyrus Jirongo remains a figure of stark contrasts in Kenyan politics—a man revered in Lugari for his transformative projects and philanthropy, yet viewed by many outside his constituency as one of the country’s most controversial politicians.
His life came to a tragic end in a car crash last Saturday, December 13, 2025, in Karai, Naivasha, but for the people of Lugari, the memories of the lawmaker who served two terms as their MP (1997–2002 and 2007–2013) are vivid and deeply personal.
In Lugari, Jirongo is remembered as a tireless champion of development.
He transformed the newly created constituency in education, health and infrastructure, leaving a legacy that continues to shape the area within Kakamega County.
Residents recall him as a man of extraordinary generosity, particularly in education. Mbaya Primary School, later renamed Jirongo Comprehensive School in his honour stands as a testament to his commitment to empowering local children.
Jirongo D.E.B. Comprehensive School in Lumakanda, Kakamega County, on December 17, 2025. It is one of the projects initiated by the late Cyrus Jirongo.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation Media Group
“Our children used to walk long distances for education. We owe this school to our late MP, who believed education was the great equaliser. Many of our children have since pursued careers and are giving back to society,” said Peter Ndanyi, a resident of Jirongo’s Mbaya village.
Beyond education, Jirongo is said to have used his influence to advocate for the creation of Lugari District, carved out from the larger Kakamega District.
“If it were not for Jirongo, we would not have the district headquarters at Lumakanda today,” said Zipora Kese, a local resident. He also served as Minister for Rural Development in 2002. He played a key role in establishing Lugari Market, ensuring land near the railway station was preserved for public use rather than being grabbed by private developers.
Jirongo’s philanthropy extended to individuals and religious organisations. He funded scholarships, supported children from disadvantaged backgrounds and contributed generously to church constructions and income-generating projects.
“This magnificent building is the result of a harambee organised by the late Jirongo. I will remember him as a man who truly valued the house of God,” Pastor Albert Akwima of Kisangula PAG Church said, recalling the MP’s pivotal role in building the church.
To the Tiriki community, Jirongo was more than a politician—he was a patriarch who never forgot his roots. Bishop John Shunza, a community elder, said: “He was a true leader who used his influence to unite us and protect our culture, despite his wealth and national profile.”
Funeral preparations are underway, with a carefully planned itinerary to honor Jirongo’s polygamous lifestyle.
The Luhya Elders’ Forum revealed that his body will visit the homes of his various wives before being laid to rest in Mbaya village, Lugari Sub-County, near Lumakanda township. Elders said that the route respects both tradition and his role as a husband and father to all his households.
Mzee Patrick Wangamati from (left), Chairman of the Luhya Elders Forum, former Cabinet Minister Noah Wekesa, accompanied by other officials of the forum, consoled with the family of the late Cyrus Jirongo at his home in Mbaya village, Lumakanda of Kakamega County.
While elders have mapped specific routes spanning from Nairobi to Kitale and finally to his residence in Lugari, they remain tight-lipped regarding the exact number of widows waiting to receive the body.
“Our brother was a polygamous man, and here in Lugari was where he identified as his first home and that is why we expect him to be laid to rest here, but all his other wives have a right as per Luhya customs to receive his body,” said elder Charles Barasa.
According to the committee, these arrangements are a deliberate effort to honor every corner of the late lawmaker’s polygamous lifestyle and ensure that no part of his household feels excluded from the final rites.
UDP party leader Cyrus Jirongo during an interview at his Mayfair Suites offices in Nairobi on October 28, 2021.
Photo credit: Evans Habil | Nation Media Group
“In our culture, a man of his stature belongs to all his houses. We are ensuring that the route taken respects his role as a husband and a father to all. We want to avoid any friction and ensure he is sent off in peace,” explained Jonathan Indasi, a senior Tiriki elder involved in the planning.
Elder Indiasi said all logistics of the multi-stop journey are being handled with high sensitivity to avoid any potential disputes between the various households.
“He was a man who embraced his traditions fully,” said a family spokesperson. “By visiting each home, we are allowing every branch of his family to be part of his final journey. This is one of the ways we intend to use as a mirror showing how the late man managed to keep his family together during his lifetime,” said John Shunza, another senior Tiriki elder involved in burial arrangements in Lugari.
Family, friends and members of the Luhya Elders Forum continued paying tribute to Jirongo.
Led by former Cabinet minister Dr Noah Wekesa, the elders gathered at Mbaya village to mourn a man they described as an “icon of unity” for the Mulembe Nation.
Dr Wekesa said Jirongo’s commitment went beyond the 18 sub-tribes of the Luhya community to the wider Kenyan society. He revealed that Jirongo often used his personal resources to support the Elders Forum in a bid to promote regional stability and cohesion.
“Jirongo was the pillar of unity for our community. He supported the political campaigns of many leaders from this region. Personally, I remember the first time I handled a significant amount of money in the early 1990s — Sh500,000 given to me by Jirongo to fund my campaign,” said Dr Wekesa.
He urged current Western Kenya leaders to emulate Jirongo’s spirit of brotherhood, sacrifice and service.
The Luhya Elders Forum chairman, Patrick Wangamati, highlighted Jirongo’s rare ability to bridge internal divisions within the community, citing his success in bringing together the Bukusu and Maragoli — two of the largest Luhya sub-tribes.
“Despite his immense wealth, he deeply identified with his people. From his days as a KANU youth leader, he used his influence to unite the community. He was a true patriarch,” said Mr Wangamati.
“He was more than a brother to me. He educated all my children and supported our extended family,” said Ms Kese.
Jirongo’s brother, Samson Jirongo, said the family owed much of its success to him.
“Any wealth in my family, I owe to him. He was a source of success for neighbours and relatives alike,” he said.
“His death has robbed us of our stability. He was our help in times of need,” she said.
