Uhuru arrived at the funeral grounds shortly after 11:30 a.m. as a church service was underway. His entry briefly interrupted the proceedings as mourners rose to their feet, breaking into cheers and ululations to welcome the former Head of State.
The preacher paused the service momentarily to allow Uhuru to take his seat before resuming the programme.
In a statement shared on social media, Uhuru’s office confirmed his attendance, saying the retired president had joined family members, friends, and leaders in honouring the late former legislator.
“His Excellency President (Rtd) Uhuru Kenyatta attends the burial ceremony of former Lugari MP Cyrus Shakhalaga Khwa Jirongo in Lumakanda, Kakamega County,” the statement read.
Uhuru’s presence added to a long list of senior leaders who turned up to pay tribute to Jirongo, a seasoned politician and businessman who played a significant role in Kenya’s political landscape, particularly in Western Kenya.
Among the dignitaries present were Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, and retired Chief Justice David Maraga, alongside current and former lawmakers, local leaders, and clergy.
Jirongo died on December 13, 2025, following a road accident along the busy Nakuru–Naivasha section of the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway. His vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with a passenger bus at the Karai area in Naivasha.
The 64-year-old was travelling in his private car when it collided with a Climax Coaches bus ferrying passengers from Nairobi. The accident shocked the country and triggered an outpouring of condolences from across the political divide.
During the burial service, speakers described Jirongo as a fearless political mobiliser, a sharp strategist, and a leader who was never afraid to challenge authority.
Jirongo served as Lugari MP before later making a bid for the presidency. Over the years, he built a reputation as an influential figure in Western Kenya politics and remained active in national affairs long after leaving elective office.
As the ceremony progressed, mourners reflected on his legacy, with several leaders praising his boldness, resilience, and contribution to political pluralism in Kenya.
However, the sombre occasion was also marked by renewed calls for clarity surrounding the circumstances of his death.
Former Vihiga Senator George Khaniri used the platform to demand a comprehensive forensic investigation into the fatal crash, saying there were unanswered questions that needed to be addressed.
Khaniri told mourners that private investigators engaged by the family had uncovered information suggesting that Jirongo may not have been alone in his vehicle shortly before the accident.
According to Khaniri, CCTV footage from a petrol station where the vehicle reportedly stopped before the crash shows another individual inside the car.
He questioned how Jirongo was later found alone in the wreckage, urging investigators to establish the identity and whereabouts of the alleged passenger.
“There are glaring gaps in the demise of our brother that must be addressed,” Khaniri said, calling for transparency and thoroughness in the ongoing investigations.
The calls echoed sentiments expressed by other leaders in recent days, with several urging authorities to ensure that all aspects of the crash are independently and conclusively examined.
Despite the questions surrounding his death, the focus of the burial remained on celebrating Jirongo’s life and public service.
Family members thanked mourners for their support, saying the large turnout reflected the impact Jirongo had on communities across the country.
As the ceremony drew to a close, leaders urged unity and peace, noting that Jirongo’s passing marked the end of an era in Kenyan politics.
His burial capped weeks of national mourning, with tributes continuing to pour in for a man remembered as outspoken, ambitious, and deeply invested in the country’s political future.
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