Jirongo, who belonged to the Tiriki sub-community of the Luhya people, is expected to be laid to rest in line with customs that treat death as a deeply spiritual transition rather than a simple farewell.
Jirongo, who died in a tragic road accident along the Nakuru–Naivasha highway, was not only a political figure but also a respected elder within his community.
Jirongo, who died in a tragic road accident along the Nakuru–Naivasha highway, was not only a political figure but also a respected elder within his community.
In Luhya culture, the death of such a person is handled with great care to ensure peace for both the departed and the living.
Community elders say that when a person dies suddenly, especially outside their home, special rituals may be performed to symbolically “bring the spirit back home.”
Community elders say that when a person dies suddenly, especially outside their home, special rituals may be performed to symbolically “bring the spirit back home.”
This belief is rooted in the idea that the place of death may hold part of the deceased’s spirit, which must be guided back to its rightful resting place.
For this reason, elders and close family members are expected to visit the scene of the accident in Karai, Naivasha.
For this reason, elders and close family members are expected to visit the scene of the accident in Karai, Naivasha.
There, they may conduct traditional rites meant to acknowledge the death and clear the spiritual path for Jirongo’s final journey to Lumakanda, his rural home in Lugari.
Jirongo was a polygamous man with more than one homestead, including residences in Kitale and Lumakanda.
Jirongo was a polygamous man with more than one homestead, including residences in Kitale and Lumakanda.
According to Luhya customs, the body of a deceased man is often taken to all his homes before burial.
This allows each household to mourn and pay respects, ensuring unity among the family and honouring all wives equally.
Elders from Lumakanda have indicated that once Jirongo’s body is released from Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi, it is likely to be taken first to his Kitale home before proceeding to Lumakanda, where burial preparations will be finalised.
Upon arrival at the main homestead, a night vigil is expected. A traditional fire may be lit and kept burning throughout the night.
Elders from Lumakanda have indicated that once Jirongo’s body is released from Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi, it is likely to be taken first to his Kitale home before proceeding to Lumakanda, where burial preparations will be finalised.
Upon arrival at the main homestead, a night vigil is expected. A traditional fire may be lit and kept burning throughout the night.
In Luhya belief, this fire serves as protection against misfortune and symbolises continuity of life.
Traditionally, the fire is tended by men, while women observe from a distance, in line with long-held customs.
Before burial, the body of a respected elder is often taken around the homestead one last time. This act symbolises farewell and closure, allowing the deceased to “see” the home before being laid to rest. Songs and solemn chants may accompany this final walk.
Because Jirongo’s death has raised questions and lingering doubts, some elders believe symbolic items could be included during burial rites.
Before burial, the body of a respected elder is often taken around the homestead one last time. This act symbolises farewell and closure, allowing the deceased to “see” the home before being laid to rest. Songs and solemn chants may accompany this final walk.
Because Jirongo’s death has raised questions and lingering doubts, some elders believe symbolic items could be included during burial rites.
In traditional belief, items such as a stick or torch may be used symbolically to represent the search for truth and justice, especially when death is sudden or unclear.
However, families today often balance tradition with modern religious beliefs. In many cases, Christian funeral services are held alongside cultural practices, ensuring respect for both faith and heritage.
Cyrus Jirongo’s burial is expected to take place on December 30, 2025. As the date approaches, his family, community, and the nation continue to reflect on his life, influence, and the cultural values that shaped him.
However, families today often balance tradition with modern religious beliefs. In many cases, Christian funeral services are held alongside cultural practices, ensuring respect for both faith and heritage.
Cyrus Jirongo’s burial is expected to take place on December 30, 2025. As the date approaches, his family, community, and the nation continue to reflect on his life, influence, and the cultural values that shaped him.
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