CJ was killed: Emotions high as leaders cry for Jirongo, dismiss police account on death

President William Ruto on Tuesday came under sharp criticism over an alleged sustained effort to kill political parties in his bid to get reelected in 2027.

This came as claims of foul play, calls for justice, and skepticism over the government’s dedication to unravel the mystery behind the death of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo dominated speeches as hundreds of mourners gathered at Lumakanda grounds for the burial ceremony of the veteran politician.

In a politically charged event, the president’s critics borrowed a leaf from the man they were burying - a straight talker who never shied away from his mind - and took on Ruto’s administration over the death and political powerplay the president’s bastion has rolled out, which is anchored on swallowing other parties.

The mood inside the tent was gloomy, but as speakers set their foot on the podium and spoke about the mysterious death of Jirongo, the mourners broke into cheers and jeers, political temperatures rose high as some leaders’ faces frown with shock.

President Ruto, a long-term friend of the late Jirongo who missed the burial service, had his name repeatedly mentioned and getting dragged into the controversy surrounding Jirongo’s death. Leaders piled pressure on him to break his silence and use the state machinery in his capacity to reveal the cause of Jirongo’s death.

But as this happened, leaders who are unhappy with his targeted assault on political parties used the platform to urge his administration to uphold the independence of political parties.

“Political parties are being swallowed one by one... We cannot allow political parties to be swallowed. We must remain steadfast and democracy must prevail,” said Siaya Governor James Orengo.

He said that already, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s Amani National Coalition was already swallowed, while Ford Kenya and ODM are also on the verge of facing the same predicament.

Former president Uhuru Kenyatta also urged leaders to respect political parties for a vibrant democracy to thrive in the country and the will of the people to prevail.

The calls came after details of President Ruto meeting with senior ODM leaders at his Kilgoris home on Christmas day to strike a cooperation deal with his UDA party emerged last week.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and ODM Vice chairman Godfrey Osotsi set the ball rolling by asking President Ruto to stop interfering with other political parties.

Sifuna also appologised to Uhuru over claims made by ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga that he was funding party rebels to create dissent.

“Let me appologise to you over claims made by some leaders who want to divert attention after we exposed their secret meetings with Ruto where they want to auction the party,” said Sifuna.

Uhuru then cautioned those spreading malicious claims, saying although he is now retired, he will poke the eyes of those trying to poke fingers in his eyes.

Osotsi also cautioned detractors that they will not be leaving ODM anytime soon, even if some leaders are working with President Ruto to have them removed.

ODM Vice chairman Abdulswamad Nassir, who was among leaders that attended the Kilgoris meeting however rebuffed claims that they were killing the party, saying the cooperation they are seeking is similar to the Azimio, NASA and other past coalitions that ODM signed.

Former Vihiga Senator George Khaniri had earlier made an emotional appeal for justice over Jirongo’s death, after raising many questions he said have not been answered by the investigators.

Uhuru said Jirongo respected the political space of different political parties for the purposes of a strong democracy.

“Jirongo respected Multiparty democracy to honor him, let us respect other political parties and not kill them,” said Uhuru.

The emerging war pitting ODM and UDA parties against Uhuru came to the fore with Uhuru telling off a section of ODM leaders, accusing him of meddling with the late Raila Odinga led party urging them to stop petty politics and focus on selling their agenda to the people.

“We are being told that we are meddling into the affairs of other people’s party. If someone has failed to get a reason to get closer to someone, just sell your agenda to the people and stop speaking nonsense,” said Uhuru.

Leaders called for justice for Jirongo and claimed his death was unnatural. The first one to set the tempo over the controversial death of Jirongo was Former Vihiga Senator George Khaniri, who alleged that the late was killed.

Khaniri, a close ally and friend to Jirongo, said the police report on the death of Jirongo is false.

“He died under unclear circumstances, and for those who feel uncomfortable when we are asking for this pertinent issues, we will continue unless they kill us. What we are only demanding for is clear answers so that we can put closure to this matter,” said Khaniri.

Former Nairobi Mayor Philip Kisia told mourners in the local dialect that Jirongo was killed by people in the government.

“They have killed our son and person, but the blood of our son will not go to waste. No. He was an organised man but as Tiriki people, we have already done our part, even as police continue with their investigations, which we are not much bothered with,” said Kisia.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale maintained that anyone buying the police report that Jirongo died in an accident is a mad person, alleging that the former MP was eliminated.

“No one can tell us that Jirongo died a natural death and such a person must be mad, Jirongo was killed. People have killed Jirongo, and we are pained,” said Khalwale.

Kanu Chairman Gedion Moi described Jirongo as a hero, true friend and awesome character who had good political plans for the country.

“He was a true friend, a hero and he kept his word and was courageous, and he stood with his friends through thick and thin no matter what,” said Moi.

He added: “We did a lot of good deeds with him together, what is important to me is the legacy of Jirongo and for those of us who profess to be his friend we must know there is life after death for his family and we must take care of his family.”

Moi revealed that he had a lot of conversations with Jirongo, mostly centred around the politics of the country, and he had plans to shake the status quo of politics.

ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna expressed pessimism, saying that no accountability will be achieved despite public demands.

“You are wasting time asking for justice,” Sifuna told mourners. “We know them, and no justice will be served. Some are seated right here with us, but nothing will happen.”

Speaker Wetangula, who narrated his last moments and meeting with Jirongo, said they will continue asking for answers surrounding Jirongo’s death.

“I join those asking for answers, and if questions are not asked and answered, then it remains a mystery and the investigative organs should do a thorough investigation until everyone is satisfied,” said Wetang’ula.

In his speech, Mudavadi said that they will ensure that everything about Jirongo’s death is laid bare.

“The agencies that are involved in the investigations will make sure the processes are completed,” he said.