Former ODM executive director and Raila Odinga aide Wafula Buke has urged the family and friends of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo to delay his burial until investigations into his death are completed.
Jirongo’s memorial service was held on Saturday at CITAM Church, Valley Road, Nairobi, and he is scheduled for burial on December 30 in Lumakhanda.
Buke, through a Facebook post, described burial as “the best ally of Kenya’s assassins and the biggest enemy for the pursuit of justice.”
Click Here for Latest Stories on Jirongo
He warned that once Jirongo is interred, those responsible for any foul play could evade scrutiny, and the nation’s collective memory of the events could be buried alongside him.
The former ODM official recounted parallels with past incidents in Kenya, citing Koigi wa Wamwere, whose father’s body remained unburied until authorities allowed Koigi to attend the funeral while imprisoned.
Buke argued that Jirongo could similarly contribute to ongoing investigations posthumously if his body is preserved for scientific and forensic examination.
Highlighting the circumstances surrounding Jirongo’s death in Naivasha, Buke noted suspicious activity at the petrol station where the accident occurred.
He recounted a Mercedes-Benz speeding away from the scene and questioned the reliability of eyewitness accounts.
He also called for expert assessment from the vehicle’s manufacturer to determine whether the injuries sustained matched the reported impact, drawing comparisons to unresolved investigations into the deaths of Bishop Alexander Muge and Prof. George Saitoti.
Buke’s post emphasized the need for rigorous scientific evaluation, insisting that Jirongo’s body remain in the morgue until experts complete their analysis.
“All air transport accidents in the world get subjected to manufacturer scientific assessment. Why should this case be different?” he questioned.
He concluded with a direct plea to the public and Jirongo’s family: “Please, don’t bury CJ till justice is done.”