Social media activist Francis Gaitho has sharply criticised a bus driver involved in a fatal road accident that claimed the life of businessman and former politician Cyrus Jirongo.
The crash occurred on a Kenyan highway, with police confirming that investigations into the incident are ongoing.
In a statement posted on X, Gaitho challenged claims made by the bus driver in media interviews, where the driver said he deliberately caused the collision to save his passengers. Gaitho rejected the account, writing, “Who anointed him God to decide whose life is worth more?”
He added that weighing lives against each other was unacceptable and not a justification for a fatal crash.
Gaitho described the driver’s explanation as an attempt to sanitise reckless behaviour after the fact. “That’s not bravery; that’s a chilling red flag from a man trying to justify reckless driving,” he said. According to Gaitho, the incident should not be framed as an unavoidable choice between lives.
The activist linked the crash to what he described as persistent indiscipline among some public service vehicle (PSV) drivers.
“These same PSV drivers routinely hog lanes, block overtaking vehicles, speed like maniacs, ignore indicators, and treat traffic rules like optional suggestions,” he wrote.
He argued that such conduct is commonly witnessed on Kenyan roads and often precedes serious accidents.
Gaitho insisted the crash was preventable and called for legal accountability.
“This wasn’t an impossible choice between doom and salvation. It was a preventable crash,”he said, blaming excessive speed and poor lane discipline. He urged authorities to reject what he termed a “hero narrative” around the driver.
Calling for firm action, Gaitho stated, “The driver should face the full wrath of the law. No excuses.” He added, “Treat this as the homicide it is… It’s criminal negligence.”
Police have said investigations are ongoing, including analysis of the vehicles involved and witness statements.