The United Democratic Party (UDP) Busia branch has called on the government to launch thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of its party leader, Cyrus Jirongo, who perished in a road crash in Naivasha.
Speaking during a press conference at his Amagoro residence on Sunday, Busia County UDP Organising Secretary John Adawa Ichasi said the party was not convinced that the incident was an ordinary accident. He urged authorities to conduct an in-depth probe to dispel public speculation.
Jirongo, a former Lugari Member of Parliament, died after his Mercedes-Benz collided head-on with a Climax bus at Karai, Naivasha, at around 3 a.m. on Saturday. The bus was reportedly headed to Nairobi with 65 passengers on board.
Ichasi challenged investigative agencies to establish the sequence of events leading to the crash, including identifying individuals who interacted with the late Jirongo between 9 p.m. and the time of the accident.
“Competent investigators must establish who spoke to him, who he met, and what prompted his sudden departure. This will help allay fears and speculation among Kenyans that this was not a normal accident,” Ichasi said.
He further questioned why a politician of Jirongo’s stature would travel alone at night without his driver or security detail.
“Who called him? Why did he leave suddenly at 9.30 p.m.? Who was he going to meet in Nakuru? Kenyans deserve answers, and those answers depend on the choice of an independent and competent investigative team that cannot be manipulated,” he added.
Ichasi revealed that he had spoken to UDP National Secretary General and former Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong on Saturday evening, who expressed shock over the sudden death of the party leader.
“Our Secretary General assured us that a formal statement will be issued in due course. He also indicated that the branch executive will travel to Lugari on Wednesday to condole with the family before convening a National Delegates Conference to elect a substantive party leader,” Ichasi said.
Despite the loss, Ichasi urged party members to remain hopeful, noting that measures had been put in place to ensure the party’s continuity.
UDP National Treasurer and former Trans Nzoia Woman Representative Janet Nangabo described the late Jirongo as a leader who championed unity across the Western region and beyond.
“He believed in unity among all Kenyans and respected all communities. That is why we are laying out elaborate plans to revamp the party ahead of the 2027 General Elections,” Nangabo said, dismissing ethnic-based political mobilization.
