Cyrus Jirongo Biography: Death, Wives, Political Journey & Net Worth
Cyrus Jirongo Biography
Former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo, real name Cyrus Shakhalaga Khwa Jirongo, was a renowned politician. He served as Minister for Rural Development in 2002 and also represented his constituency between 1997 and 2002. He was again elected as an MP from 2007 to 2013. He was born on March 21, 1961, in Lugari, Kakamega County.
Cause of Accident
On Sunday morning 13, December Kenyans woke up to the sudden news of the dismissal of Hon. Jirongo. A report from the police showed that he was involved in a road accident along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway, Mai Mahiu area, a two-way road that has experienced several accidents over a long period of time. He was driving himself in his white Mercedes-Benz E350 when it collided with a passenger bus, Climax Coach bus, and he died on the spot at around 3:30 am.
Education Journey
Cyrus did his secondary education at Mang’u High School from January 1978 to October 1981. He scored grade A and got a scholarship to the University of Cambridge, where he pursued a Higher National Diploma in Business Administration and Management. He furthered his studies at the University of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), where he graduated with a Master’s in the same field. He therefore had more knowledge in entrepreneurship and leadership.
Political Career
His political journey was marked by both successes and other challenges. Over the years, he has remained a significant figure in Kenya and the Western political landscape. He gained momentum in politics when he became the Chairman of the Youth for KANU 92(the youth wing of the Kenya African National Union) during the era of President Daniel Arap Moi in 1992.
Jirongo shifted political alliances multiple times, including KANU, FORD-KENYA, UDF, and UDM, because he wanted to maintain influence in the ever-changing Kenyan political arena. In the 2007 general elections, he ran for the presidential seat but gathered fewer votes, where Former President Mwai Kibaki was declared the winner.
Family
Jirongo was a family man, and he had three wives after he divorced Joan Chemutai Kimeto; the three are Christine Nyokabi Kimani, Anne Lanoi Pertet, and Anne Kanini.
Messages of Condolence from Politicians
Several leaders have expressed their sadness following the dismissal of the former member of parliament, including President William Samoei Ruto, in the X platform, he wrote.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo. Jirongo was a relentless go-getter, a seasoned businessman, and a consummate politician who refused to be defined, let alone defeated, by life’s challenges. He was a fighter in every sense: blunt yet warm, bold yet approachable, enlightened and endlessly entrepreneurial. Above all, he was generous to a fault; always willing to give, to uplift, and to back others with his time, resources, and belief. Never one to shrink from a tough stand or a grand idea, he lived on his own terms and left an indelible mark on our political landscape. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace, my friend.”
