The tragic road accident that claimed the life of prominent politician Cyrus Jirongo has prompted a quick intervention from former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.
Sonko has publicly backed the driver of the Climax Coaches bus involved in the head-on collision. He has vowed to be the first to secure the driver's release if he is arrested.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The crash occurred in the early hours of 13 December 2025. The location was the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway near Karai in Naivasha. The victim was 64-year-old former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo.
The bus driver was identified as Tirus Kamau Githinji. Mr Githinji is a long-serving driver who has worked for Climax Coach for about eight years.
At the time, Githinji was transporting 65 passengers from Nairobi to Busia. Jirongo was reportedly the sole occupant of his Mercedes-Benz.
Sonko Vows to 'Bail Him Out'
Mike Sonko has defended the driver’s actions, focusing on the preservation of life. He praised the driver for his calculated response under pressure.
Sonko stressed that the driver acted to protect his numerous passengers.
“I stand with that driver. Why? He acted to save 65 passengers,” Sonko stated publicly.
READ MORE: Driver Weeps as He Recalls How Jirongo's Mercedes Sealed His Own Fate
The politician argued that the bus driver cannot be blamed. He noted that the law protects drivers making difficult emergency choices, especially when the other driver failed to yield.
"You cannot blame this driver," Sonko asserted, adding that Jirongo’s car did not give way.
Sonko affirmed that he would immediately offer legal assistance. He promised to ensure Tirus Kamau Githinji is released.
“That particular driver, I'll be the first one to bail him out if he is arrested,” he confirmed.
The Driver's Difficult Choice
Githinji reported that Jirongo’s vehicle emerged onto the busy highway from a petrol station. The politician’s car reportedly failed to yield to the oncoming traffic.
According to Githinji, Jirongo entered the bus’s lane after spotting traffic congestion on his own side of the road. This action resulted in the head-on collision.
Githinji explained the split-second decision he faced. He considered swerving to avoid the crash. However, this action risked overturning the bus and endangering the 65 passengers aboard.
Githinji chose instead to brace for impact to protect the lives on his side. Jirongo sustained severe head injuries and died on the spot.
Sonko concluded by conveying condolences to the Jirongo family. He stated that the incident should serve as a serious warning and a lesson to all drivers nationwide to exercise extreme caution on the road.
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