It was 5:47 pm on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, when time appeared to slow down, each second stretching into the next, as pallbearers carried the coffin of the late Cyrus Jirongo step by step, in slow, measured strides, towards the graveyard, with mourners trailing behind in tear-filled silence.

The air was rich in tears, screams, and cries. Each step, just like the clock tick, signalled the end of an era of a man, a politico who lived his life without apology, and that was Cyrus Shakhalaga Khwa Jirongo, the son of a preacher.

Low-tone instrumental melodies from Luhya drummers alongside Luhya hymn songs made the environment unbearable for everyone who referred to Cyrus Jirongo as an icon, father, brother, uncle, grandparent, and businessman.

At the gravesite, his motionless body, inside a casket draped with a United Democratic Party (UDP)-branded flag, was placed on a clean grave that awaited its assignment.

Emotional farewell at the graveside

Second after second, the late politico’s body was slowly lowered as the Man of God spoke words of encouragement to family and friends.

Each word settled on mourners’ hearts like gentle hands placed on weary shoulders.

Within moments, the casket touched the basement of the grave, where he will rest forever.

Anne Lota, the widow of the late Cyrus Jirongo, just like others, could not prevent tears from forming and flowing freely as she watched her darling being laid to rest.

The casket-lowering straps were gently removed as the presiding pastor led mourners in soil throwing, quoting the biblical reminder that from dust we came and to dust we shall return.

During an emotional prayer, the pastor delivered a veiled but heavy message, saying those who kill by the sword will also perish by the sword.

As soil descended from relatives and friends, a protocol officer wearing a reflector marked “Team CJ” removed the UDP flag from the coffin.

After the soil-throwing ceremony, close family members, including Jirongo’s three wives and children, led mourners in laying wreaths as slow Luhya and Swahili melodies filled the air.

Wreaths were laid in order by the wives, children, the church, business partners and the steering committee, each moment reopening fresh waves of grief across the packed burial ground.

As the ceremony progressed, leaders took turns to deliver tributes, painting the picture of a fearless, outspoken and influential political figure who shaped Kenya’s public life in his own unique way.

Leaders demand truth, honour Jirongo’s legacy

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna described Jirongo as a rare leader who welcomed criticism.

“Jirongo alikuwa tofauti na hawa viongozi wengine. Jirongo ulikuwa ukimkosoa na asisikie vibaya. Kuna wengine ukiandika Twitter ‘huyu mtu ni bure’, anakutumia polisi,” Sifuna said.

COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli revealed a close personal bond, saying Jirongo once approached him and he gave him Ksh100 million without conditions, while also calling for the truth behind his death to be known.

Read Also: In Photos: Life And Times of Former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo

“Lazima tujue kiini cha kifo cha Jirongo. Jirongo alikuwa simba, hakuwa mtu wa kuogopa,” Atwoli stated.

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta recalled Jirongo’s boldness from a young age, noting that even before turning 30, he could face President Daniel arap Moi eye to eye and be listened to.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula told the family that consultations had already been held with Jirongo before the accident.

Wetang’ula, also amid escalating pressure to break the silence, finally admitted that he is among the last persons Jirongo met before dying in a road crash.

He added that after the burial, Jirongo’s three widows would be engaged to outline the family’s challenges so that support could be organised.