Cyrus Jirongo: The outspoken politician who shaped political debates

Late Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo was a prominent and outspoken political figure whose public statements often generated debate.

Known for his blunt style, he did not shy away from criticising political allies and rivals alike, a trait that defined much of his public life.

Among those who occasionally responded to his remarks was President William Ruto, then serving as Deputy President.

Their exchanges reflected a long-standing political relationship marked by differing views and public disagreement, rather than formal disputes.

President Ruto later addressed the broader political tension in public remarks made in Kakamega County, where he sought to downplay the personal disagreement.

Speaking during the burial of former minister Soita Shitanda on June 4, 2016, Ruto characterised the rift as political and personal rather than substantive, noting their shared history and divergent political journeys.

Ruto recalled his early political association with Jirongo, acknowledging that he had once worked under him.

He attributed his rise in politics to planning, faith, and experience, while urging restraint and strategic thinking in political engagement.

Jirongo also frequently spoke about their early association, often using it to illustrate wider themes of ambition, rivalry, and changing power dynamics within Kenyan politics.

These narratives formed part of his broader critique of political leadership and succession.

In 2016, following the killing of businessman Jacob Juma, Jirongo made public statements questioning how investigations into the matter were being handled.

His comments came in the context of heightened national debate after Juma had, prior to his death, made allegations on social media involving senior political figures.

These claims were never tested in court and remained unproven.

Speaking at a memorial service for Juma, Jirongo reiterated his belief that the circumstances surrounding the businessman’s death required closer scrutiny.

Outside politics, Jirongo was a businessman whose rise in the 1990s coincided with his association with KANU and the administration of former President Daniel arap Moi.

His real estate developments became central to his public profile.

The projects later attracted political criticism, which Jirongo consistently rejected.

He maintained that his wealth was acquired through legitimate borrowing and structured investment, and he repeatedly denied allegations of economic impropriety.

In several public statements, including remarks made in 2025, Jirongo said his ventures were carefully financed and that he lawfully acquired land before development.

He acknowledged financial challenges but insisted they were the result of debt exposure rather than wrongdoing.

Cyrus Jirongo was born in 1961 in Lumakanda, Lugari Sub-county, Kakamega County.

He attended Lumakanda DEB Primary School and Mang’u High School before pursuing management studies in the United Kingdom.

He entered national politics in the early 1990s, later serving as chairman of AFC Leopards Football Club.

Jirongo was elected Lugari MP in 1997, lost the seat in 2002, and regained it in 2007.

He later made unsuccessful bids for higher office but remained a visible and influential voice in public discourse until his death.