To us, he was family, not a politician: Jirongo’s siblings say

The late former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo's sister Grace pays her tribute during a memorial service held at Christ Is The Answer Ministries (CITAM), Valley Road in Nairobi/SCREENGRAB

The siblings of the late former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo have paid glowing tribute to him, describing the veteran politician as not only a brother but also a father figure to their children.

The siblings said Jirongo’s influence and presence shaped their lives and those of their children in profound ways.

In an emotional message read by Grace on behalf of the family during a memorial service held at Christ Is The Answer Ministries (CITAM), Valley Road in Nairobi, the siblings said Jirongo was a warm, approachable and welcoming figure whose impact extended far beyond politics.

She told mourners that while the public largely knew Jirongo as a politician, businessman and philanthropist, to his siblings he was first and foremost their “blood brother,” whose love, guidance and strength bound the family together.

“To others, you were a politician, a friend and a money giver, but to us, you are our blood, a brother and a father figure,” Grace said.

The family admitted they were still struggling to come to terms with his sudden death, saying they may never fully understand why his life was cut short.

“We will never understand why, but our Father in Heaven knows all and knows best,” she said.

In the moving tribute, Grace said Jirongo had been a role model not only to his own children but also to his nieces and nephews, whom he treated as his own.

“You have been a role model to our children and to us. You have done so much for us that we cannot mention enough,” she said.

The siblings pledged to honour his legacy by carrying his memory with them throughout their lives.

“We promise to carry you along on our backs and in our hearts in every step we make in life,” she added.

Describing him as one of the family’s strongest pillars, Grace said his death had left a huge void, but his spirit would live on through those he inspired.

“You are one of our pillars, a pillar that has fallen, but you live in us forever,” she said. “Your strength and courage carried us through all times. To others you are a politician, a friend, a giver, but to us you are our blood brother and an extraordinary father figure. We love and cherish you.”

Jirongo, a seasoned politician and businessman, died on December 13, 2025, in a grisly road accident along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway near the Karai area in Naivasha. His Mercedes-Benz vehicle collided head-on with a Climax Coaches passenger bus, leading to his instant death. He was 64.

Jirongo will be laid to rest at his rural home on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.