Driver Weeps as He Recalls How Jirongo's Mercedes Sealed His Own Fate

The fatal head-on collision that claimed the life of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, 64, on the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway has been described by the driver of the passenger bus involved.

The crash occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, 13th December 2025, near Karai in Naivasha, Nakuru County.

Tiras Kamau Githinji, a driver with Climax Coach for eight years, was transporting approximately 65 passengers from Nairobi to Busia when the Mercedes-Benz driven by Jirongo entered his path.

“I was coming from Nairobi heading to Busia,” Githinji explained. “Early in the morning, there was an accident between my bus and a Mercedes-Benz.”

Failure to Yield

According to Githinji, the Mercedes-Benz emerged from a petrol station onto the busy highway without yielding to the oncoming traffic.

“Usiku ya leo ilitokea accident. Mercedes ilikuwa inatoka kwa mafuta petrol station na mimi natoka Nairobi nikienda Busia. Mercedes hakugive way,” he recalled.

Githinji further detailed the crucial split-second leading to the impact, stating that Jirongo's car entered his lane after spotting traffic congestion on the politician's side of the road.

“Aliingia kwa barabara na akaona pande yake gari zimeweka jam akaamua kukuja penye niko tukakutana kichwa na kichwa na yeye,” Githinji confirmed, adding that Jirongo’s car had only one occupant—the driver—while his bus was fully loaded.

The Decision to Save 65 Lives

The Climax Coach driver explained that he briefly considered swerving to avoid the collision, but the risk of his bus overturning, which would have been catastrophic for his numerous passengers, made him hold his course.

“Wakati nilijaribu kuokoa nukasikia gari yangu inaweza enda chini sasa mimi nikakanyaga akakuja kama ameniingia,” he stated, confirming the tragic choice he made to brace for impact to protect the lives on his side.

Githinji only learned the identity of the deceased driver after police arrived to process the scene. “I didn’t know the Mercedes-Benz driver was Cyrus Jirongo until the police came,” he added, concluding with a brief expression of sympathy: “My condolences.”

Police reports confirmed that Jirongo, aged 64, sustained severe head injuries and died on the spot. 

President Ruto’s Tribute to a 'Fighter'

Jirongo’s death has prompted widespread tributes from across the political spectrum. President William Ruto issued a heartfelt statement expressing profound grief over the loss of his friend, describing Jirongo as a figure defined by resilience and boldness.

The President described Jirongo as “a relentless go-getter, a seasoned businessman, and a consummate politician who refused to be defined, let alone defeated, by life’s challenges.”

Ruto highlighted Jirongo's unique character and generosity: “He was a fighter in every sense: blunt yet warm, bold yet approachable, enlightened and endlessly entrepreneurial. Above all, he was generous to a fault; always willing to give, to uplift, and to back others with his time, resources, and belief.”

The President concluded by praising Jirongo's fearless spirit: “Never one to shrink from a tough stand or a grand idea, he lived on his own terms and left an indelible mark on our political landscape. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace, my friend.”