Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have concluded investigations into the death of former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo, recommending that a public inquest be conducted after ruling out foul play.
According to the DCI, findings from the probe indicate that Jirongo died as a result of a traffic accident and not murder, as had been widely speculated following his death.
“In light of the evidence gathered so far, there is nothing to show that Cyrus Jirongo was murdered,” investigators stated in their recommendations submitted to DCI Director Mohammed Amin.
DCI Rules Out Murder in Jirongo Death
Mohammed Amin confirmed that detectives thoroughly examined all leads surrounding the fatal crash, including reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses. One key focus of the investigation was a white Probox vehicle that appeared on CCTV footage trailing Jirongo’s car on the night of the accident.
Amin revealed that investigators interviewed passengers who were travelling in the Probox and established that the vehicle was not involved in the crash that claimed the former MP’s life.
“So far, investigations show the death was purely a traffic accident,” Amin said in a statement shared on the DCI’s official social media platforms.
Details of the Fatal Accident
Cyrus Jirongo died in the early hours of December 13 after his vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with a passenger bus along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway. The accident occurred at around 3am near Karai area in Naivasha, Nakuru County.
Police said Jirongo was driving alone at the time of the crash and sustained injuries consistent with a high-impact collision, leading to his death at the scene.
More Than 20 Witnesses Interviewed
As part of the investigation, DCI detectives interviewed more than 20 individuals, including the bus driver, a tout, one passenger aboard the bus, petrol station attendants near the crash site, and three occupants of the Probox vehicle that stopped at a nearby petrol station shortly after the accident.
The comprehensive probe found no evidence to suggest that another vehicle or individual caused or contributed to Jirongo’s death.
Family Raises Questions, Government Urges Patience
The conclusion of the DCI probe comes amid claims by private investigators hired by Jirongo’s family, who alleged that the former MP was not alone in the vehicle at the time of the crash. The family has continued to demand answers regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.
However, Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli assured Kenyans that the government remains committed to transparency and thoroughness in handling the matter.
Speaking during a second memorial service held at Jirongo’s home in Maili Saba, Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, Masengeli urged the public to remain patient and avoid speculation as due process continues.
Public Inquest Recommended
Despite ruling out foul play, the DCI has recommended a public inquest to allow an open judicial review of the circumstances surrounding Jirongo’s death, in line with Kenyan law.
The inquest is expected to help address lingering questions and provide closure to the family and the public regarding the tragic accident that claimed the life of the former Lugari legislator.
