Cyrus Jirongo. Photo: Courtessy
City lawyer Wahome Thuku has defended the Climax Coaches bus driver involved in the tragic early-morning crash that killed former MP Cyrus Jirongo, saying the accident was unavoidable.
In a statement on social media, Thuku explained that the bus driver was almost alone on a clear road at 2 a.m., with nothing to anticipate except the occasional stray animal.
The lawyer said he initially thought the driver might share some blame, but the circumstances made it impossible to prevent the collision.
“Only for a white Mercedes to shoot into the road from a gas station on the left, full headlights and driving on his side. In fact, you would not expect a car to join the road from a gas station on your left and drive towards you,” Thuku wrote.
He also drew on personal experience, noting that head-on collisions give drivers only seconds to react.
According to Thuku, the bus driver did what any prudent person would: braked to minimize impact while keeping dozens of passengers safe.
The crash happened when Jirongo’s Mercedes reportedly joined the highway unexpectedly, colliding with the Climax bus.
Eyewitnesses and police investigations indicate the bus driver had virtually no time to avoid the crash.
Thuku emphasized that the driver should not face any legal blame, adding that he understands the split-second decisions drivers must make in such situations.
Authorities continue to investigate, reviewing CCTV footage and witness statements, but early reports support the bus driver’s account of the crash.