The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has commenced a comprehensive probe into the circumstances surrounding the death of former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo, who perished in a road accident along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway on November 28, 2025.
Detectives from the DCI's Homicide Unit, working alongside traffic police, have obtained CCTV footage from Eagol Petrol Station near Naivasha, which shows Jirongo's Toyota Prado entering the facility at 2:18:40 a.m. from the Nairobi direction but not refuelling.
The footage, reviewed by investigators, captures the vehicle stopping briefly at the station's exit at 2:19:10 a.m. before making a right turn back toward Nairobi at 2:19:19 a.m. Moments later, the Prado was involved in a head-on collision with a Climax Coaches bus travelling in the opposite direction, resulting in Jirongo's instant death and injuries to the bus driver and several passengers.
Naivasha Traffic Base Commander Samuel Kuria confirmed that the driver of the Climax bus has been summoned to report to the station on December 18, 2025, to record a statement. "We have directed the driver to appear so we can establish the exact sequence of events," Kuria said. "His account will be crucial in determining whether speed, fatigue, or other factors contributed to the tragedy."
The bus driver had initially claimed heavy highway traffic forced him to swerve, but a security guard at Eagol Petrol Station contradicted this version. The guard, who was on duty that night, told detectives there was virtually no traffic on the highway between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. "It was quiet; only a few lorries passed occasionally," the guard said in his statement. "I saw the Prado enter, stop for a few seconds, then turn back toward Nairobi. There were no vehicles blocking the road."
Investigators are now focusing on Jirongo's movements in the hours leading up to the accident. Preliminary reports indicate he left Nairobi around midnight after attending a private function in Westlands. Detectives have seized his mobile phone and are analysing call logs and location data to reconstruct his journey.
DCI Naivasha Sub-County Commander Joseph Rotich said the probe is examining several angles, including possible mechanical failure, driver fatigue, and road conditions. "We have impounded both vehicles for forensic examination," Rotich said. "The Prado's black box, if functional, will tell us speed and braking patterns. We are also awaiting toxicology results to rule out impairment."
The accident occurred near the Longonot weighbridge, a stretch notorious for overtaking mishaps. Witnesses reported the Prado suddenly veering into the oncoming lane before the collision.
Jirongo's family has demanded a thorough investigation. His elder brother, former Assistant Minister Kennedy Jirongo, visited the crash site on December 1 and questioned the initial police narrative. "My brother was an experienced driver who knew that road well," Kennedy said. "Something doesn't add up. Why did he turn back after entering the petrol station without fuelling? We want the truth, not a rushed conclusion."
The former MP's widow, Grace Jirongo, appealed for patience. "We are grieving, but we trust the DCI to leave no stone unturned," she said. "Cyrus was returning from a meeting in Nairobi. We need to know what happened in those final moments."
Political leaders from Western Kenya have called for transparency. Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala urged the government to expedite the probe. "Jirongo was a prominent leader; his death cannot be swept under the carpet," Malala said. "If there is foul play, it must be exposed."
The Climax Coaches management issued a statement expressing condolences and pledging full cooperation. "Our driver is traumatised but ready to assist investigators," the statement read. "We have suspended him pending the outcome as per our policy."
Traffic police have intensified patrols on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, which records over 200 fatal accidents annually. Naivasha OCPD Stephen Kirui said additional speed cameras and rumble strips are being installed at blackspots.
The DCI has appealed for witnesses who may have seen the Prado between Gilgil and Naivasha between 1 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. to come forward.
As the investigation continues, Jirongo's family prepares for burial scheduled for December 20 in Lugari Constituency, with leaders from across the political divide expected to attend.
