The sudden death of veteran politician and former Cabinet minister Cyrus Jirongo has been linked to a road traffic accident, with investigators saying there is currently no evidence of foul play.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations said in a Monday statement that Jirongo passed away on the night of December 13, 2025, in the Karai area along the Nakuru–Nairobi Highway. Authorities were immediately dispatched to the scene to determine the circumstances surrounding his death.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) wishes to update the public on the ongoing investigations into the tragic death of Hon. Cyrus Jirongo,” the statement said, noting that a specialized multi-agency team was assembled to manage the case.
The team included homicide detectives, experts from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau, and forensic specialists from the National Forensic Laboratory. At the crash site, investigators documented evidence, secured physical exhibits, and carried out a thorough scene analysis.
DCI officers also retrieved CCTV footage from a nearby Egol petrol station, which is currently under forensic review. Bus manifests and videos recorded by bystanders at the site were also collected and examined in detail.
As part of the inquiry, statements were recorded from key witnesses. Jirongo’s widow, Ann Lanoi Pertet, was among the first family members contacted. Investigators also spoke with the driver and conductor of the Climax bus involved, as well as staff at the petrol station.
The DCI further said that senior politicians Moses Wetang’ula, Rebman Malala, and Ibrahim Sambul, who met Jirongo at Karen Oasis restaurant the previous evening voluntarily provided statements. In addition, seven passengers who had been on the bus also came forward to give accounts, while detectives questioned Julius Kiprotich Chelule, driver of an alleged rescue bus with registration KCU 573A.
“Based on the evidence gathered and analysed to date, the incident appears to be a road traffic accident, with no indications of foul play,” the DCI stated.
Investigators noted that once the remaining steps are complete, the file will be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for further guidance. This could include potential charges against the PSV driver depending on the findings.
The agency offered its “deepest condolences to the family, relatives and friends of Hon. Cyrus Jirongo” and appealed to the public and political figures to avoid speculation that could interfere with the investigation or cause unnecessary alarm.
“Any person who possesses information that they believe may assist the ongoing investigations is encouraged to come forward,” the statement concluded, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to “impartial, thorough and expeditious investigations in accordance with the law.”
