Cyrus Jirongo. Photo/Courtesy
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has opened up about his personal connection with the late former Lugari MP Cyrus Shakhalaga Khwa Jirongo, highlighting how the veteran politician impacted his early life.
Nassir shared his reflections while attending Jirongo’s burial on Tuesday at Lumakanda, Kakamega County, where he represented Party Leader Dr. Oburu Oginga and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
The governor recounted a unique childhood experience that illustrated Jirongo’s role beyond politics.
He revealed that whenever his late father was unavailable, Jirongo would personally drive him to school.
“That quiet, practical kindness spoke volumes about the man he was: dependable, generous, and deeply invested in people beyond politics,” Nassir said in a social media post.
Cyrus Jirongo served as MP for Lugari Constituency and played a prominent role in Kenya’s political landscape, including active participation in party dynamics and national decision-making.
His leadership was often noted for blending political engagement with personal mentorship, a trait highlighted in Nassir’s tribute.
The burial ceremony drew politicians, family members, and community figures who recognized Jirongo’s contributions.
Governor Nassir emphasized that the late MP’s legacy extended beyond formal public service, reflecting the personal impact he had on families and young people within his network.
“Whenever my father was unavailable, Jirongo would personally drop me at school,” Nassir wrote. “Such gestures demonstrate a level of care and responsibility that goes beyond politics, leaving a lasting mark on those who experienced it firsthand.”
Nassir concluded his tribute by wishing the late politician eternal peace and comfort for his family.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his family find comfort in the legacy he leaves behind,” he said.
The governor’s reflections provide a perspective on how political leaders in Kenya can influence lives both publicly and personally.
By sharing these childhood memories, Nassir highlighted the human side of public service, illustrating the ways in which mentorship and personal attention remain integral to leadership legacies in the country.