Former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo died in a road accident on 13 December 2025 on the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway near Naivasha after his vehicle collided head-on with a Climax Coaches bus. As investigations unfold, multiple accounts have emerged describing what happened in Jirongo’s final moments, with key figures quoted directly on their version of events.
According to the driver of the Climax Coaches bus, Tirus Kamau, the collision was unavoidable and occurred as he sought to protect passengers. Kamau told reporters that Jirongo’s vehicle “did not give way. He decided to overlap into my lane because there was traffic on his side,” forcing him into a split-second decision. Kamau explained that he chose to absorb the impact rather than risk a dangerous swerve that might have caused the bus to overturn, saying “I was carrying 65 people … I decided to save the 65 people.” He added that he only learned the identity of the Mercedes-Benz driver after the police arrived at the scene.
The bus driver’s account has been challenged by an eyewitness at a nearby petrol station. Ephraim Cheptek, a security guard on duty at Eagol Petrol Station in Karai, provided a detailed version of Jirongo’s actions moments before the crash. Cheptek said that Jirongo’s vehicle entered the station from the Nairobi direction, slowed as if to refuel but then continued straight through and rejoined the highway without stopping. While his exact words have not been published verbatim, reports indicate Cheptek’s account contradicted claims of heavy traffic, noting that the road was clear before the collision and reigniting calls for a deeper investigation.
The fallout from Cheptek’s account was swift. After speaking to the media, the security guard was dismissed from his job, drawing criticism from the Private Security Workers Union. Union secretary general Isaac Andabwa defended Cheptek, saying, “You cannot fire someone because he has been interviewed by the media regarding Jirongo’s death, yet he was on duty officially. The information that he was giving to the agents of investigation is part of his mandatory duty as a private security officer in the petrol station.” Andabwa warned that legal action would be taken if Cheptek was not reinstated.
Beyond immediate eyewitness and driver accounts, Jirongo’s family has publicly raised questions about elements of the official narrative. Through family spokesperson Fred Gumo, they noted discrepancies in the reported route leading to the accident. Gumo stated, “Mheshimiwa Jirongo left Karen at around 11:30 pm, going home, which is here (Gigiri), and he was found dead in Naivasha, travelling from the Naivasha side to Nairobi,” underscoring confusion over why he was far from his expected destination.
Senator George Khaniri, a family friend present shortly after the incident, described Jirongo’s injuries in graphic detail, noting severe trauma that made it clear he could not have survived the crash, and added, “That’s a mystery that must be unravelled… It is only the government that can answer those questions.”
Amid these differing accounts, investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations are reviewing CCTV footage and conducting interviews to establish the exact sequence of events. According to official updates, detectives are tracing all leads, including vehicles captured on surveillance near the scene, and analysing forensic evidence to determine responsibility.
Political leaders and public figures have also responded. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who met Jirongo hours before the crash, urged restraint, emphasising respect for the bereaved family. Wetang’ula said, “I appeal to leaders to show restraint and respect the family during this difficult moment. Let us not use this tragedy for cheap political mileage,” and described Jirongo as a longstanding friend and unifying figure.
Collectively, these statements contribute to a multifaceted narrative of Cyrus Jirongo’s final hours. The bus driver’s account describes a sudden lane overlap and a decision aimed at saving lives, the security guard’s testimony highlights a different situational context, the family points to unresolved questions about the journey’s direction, and political leaders call for dignity and proper investigation. As inquiries continue, each quote stands as a documented piece of the ongoing effort to understand the circumstances surrounding the former MP’s tragic death.
