Gachagua Demands Answers From Wetang’ula Over Jirongo’s Final Hours
Opposition leaders, led by Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, have called on National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to clarify his interactions with the late former minister Cyrus Jirongo, hours before his untimely death.
Speaking to journalists after visiting Jirongo’s Nairobi residence on December 16, the opposition figures demanded a full account of events and a swift investigation into the circumstances surrounding the former minister’s passing.
Gachagua questioned why individuals present with Jirongo in Karen on the night of his death had remained silent. He urged Speaker Wetang’ula to provide transparency regarding his plans and interactions with Jirongo.
“Kenyans are asking: who were the last people to be seen with Cyrus Jirongo? Why are they quiet? Speaker Wetang’ula should have given a very good account of what his plans were and where he was going,” Gachagua said.
In his statement, Gachagua drew parallels between Jirongo’s death and the controversial killing of politician J.M. Kariuki in March 1975, which is widely regarded as a political assassination. Kariuki’s death, occurring in the presence of his close associates, remains officially unsolved, despite a parliamentary inquiry implicating senior government and police officials.
However, some of Gachagua’s concerns were addressed by the burial planning committee chair, former Westlands MP Fred Gumo. Speaking at the same media briefing, Gumo stated that Speaker Wetang’ula had visited Jirongo’s home on December 14 to explain his interactions with the late politician.
According to Gumo, Wetang’ula spent the evening of December 13 with Jirongo in Karen until around 9:30 pm, after which he excused himself, leaving Jirongo in the company of two friends whose names were not disclosed.
Gumo also confirmed that the autopsy on Jirongo’s body is scheduled for Wednesday, December 17, to determine the exact cause of death.
The opposition leaders further called on President William Ruto to direct the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to expedite the inquiry into Jirongo’s death. They also requested statements from the passengers of the bus that reportedly collided with Jirongo’s vehicle, contributing to the fatal incident.
Earlier on Tuesday, the DCI revealed that preliminary investigations confirmed the accident occurred on the night of December 13 along the Nakuru–Nairobi Highway at Karai, amid circulating social media speculation suggesting the scene may have been tampered with. Investigators are reviewing Jirongo’s movements earlier that evening, including his attendance at a meeting at Karen Oasis Bar and Restaurant, and recording statements from those present.
The leaders described Jirongo as a principled and courageous politician who remained steadfast in speaking the truth, mourning his passing as a significant loss to the nation.
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Gachagua Demands Answers From Wetang’ula Over Jirongo’s Final Hours