Women and children barred from Cyrus Jirongo burial if controversial Tiriki ritual is performed
Women and children will be barred from attending the burial of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo if he is laid to rest with a lit torch, a senior Tiriki elder has revealed, as controversy continues to surround traditional rites linked to his death.
Jirongo, a veteran politician and businessman, died on December 13 following a road accident along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway. However, lingering doubts over the circumstances of his death have fuelled calls from sections of the Luhya community for the performance of a traditional ritual intended to avenge suspected foul play.
According to Tuko.co.ke, a senior Tiriki elder disclosed that the presence of a lit torch inside the coffin would automatically trigger strict cultural restrictions at the gravesite.
“If the torch is placed in the coffin, women and children cannot be allowed anywhere near the burial ceremony,” the elder said. “This is a very serious ritual with dangerous spiritual consequences, and only men are permitted to witness it.”
Torch ritual and belief system
Within Tiriki cultural traditions, a lit torch placed alongside the deceased is believed to symbolically “illuminate” the person responsible for the death. Elders say that once the flame goes out, the individual believed to be guilty will eventually meet a similar fate.
The ritual is traditionally reserved for deaths considered mysterious or suspicious and is meant to compel the truth to emerge, bringing closure and peace to the family and community.
“This ritual is not done for show,” another elder explained. “It is meant to expose the truth. Peace only comes after justice.”
Leaders push for tradition, others resist
Several Tiriki and Luhya elders have publicly called for the ritual to be carried out, arguing that it would ensure accountability if foul play was involved. Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya is among leaders reported to have supported the elders’ position.
In a show of backing, Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria and Nairobi Chief Environment Officer Geoffrey Mosiria reportedly offered to provide the torch and other symbolic items, including porcupine quills, traditionally used in similar rites.
However, the proposal has faced resistance from the burial committee and members of Jirongo’s family.
Fred Gumo, chairperson of the funeral committee, dismissed the rituals as outdated and inappropriate for a national figure of Jirongo’s stature.
“These practices are old-fashioned and risk traumatising the family,” Gumo said. “Cyrus Jirongo was a modern leader, and such rites do not reflect who he was.”
Official investigations and public doubt
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has reportedly concluded that there was no foul play involved in the fatal accident. Despite this, public scepticism remains high, with many questioning the findings and demanding greater transparency.
Jirongo’s burial is taking place at his rural home in Mbaya Village amid heightened emotions, cultural tensions and a growing divide between traditional beliefs and modern sensibilities.
As mourners gather to bid farewell to the former MP, the debate over whether tradition should override official findings continues to cast a shadow over his final send-off.
Also Read: Kenyan Man Stuns Police After Cycling to Police Station With Giant Python
Women and children barred from Cyrus Jirongo burial if controversial Tiriki ritual is performed