Final arrangements set for Jirongo’s send-off

Preparations have been finalised for the burial of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo at his Lumakanda home in Lugari constituency, Kakamega County.

Jirongo’s body arrived at his Kitale home for an overnight vigil as security was tightened at Lumakanda village, where he will be interred on Tuesday.

Several security teams have been deployed at the Lumakanda home, where elders have also identified the site where Jirongo will be buried next to his parents and his elder brother.

Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera visited the home several times to oversee preparations along with senior security officers.

“We have worked well with friends and the government to ensure that we give him a decent burial because he was a loved man all over,” said Nabwera.

The body of Jirongo will be moved from Kitale to Lumakanda on Monday, December 29, in the afternoon, where several leaders and family members will be present to receive it.

It will be escorted from Lumakanda market for about three kilometres to the home for another overnight vigil ahead of Tuesday.

On Tuesday morning, the body will again be moved to Lumakanda Primary grounds for the final funeral service.

President William Ruto is among the leaders expected to attend the funeral service at Lumakanda Primary School, after which the body will make the final journey to the home for interment.

“We have several teams working on various aspects to ensure the burial ceremony and final rites will go on smoothly,” said Nabwera.

Several bulls will be slaughtered to feed mourners, with over 40,000 people expected to attend the funeral service.

Arrangements have been made for the viewing of the body both at the home and at Lumakanda Primary School.

“Jirongo loved his community; he loved this country and always cherished unity and peace. He deserves a befitting send-off,” said Nabwera.

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa also visited the home and urged locals to ensure they give Jirongo a decent send-off.

Since he died, many leaders from both the opposition and government have visited Jirongo’s home to console the family.

The former MP died in a road crash near Naivasha on December 13, sparking a lot of speculation as to what exactly happened leading to the incident.

He had, on December 12, met with some of his close friends hours before he was reported dead.

The family and several leaders have called for in-depth investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the death.