Cyrus Jirongo. Photo: Courtesy
People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua on Saturday revealed a little-known personal story about the late former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, recounting how she met him long before he became a political heavyweight.
Speaking during Jirongo’s memorial service, Karua told mourners that their first encounter happened at the courts, at a time when Jirongo had not yet ventured into politics.
According to Karua, the meeting left a strong impression on her and marked the beginning of a friendship that lasted for years.
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“We are here to honour a friend and a brother,” Karua said. “I met Cyrus before his entry into politics, and true to his character, he had come to the courts to bail out a friend.”
Karua disclosed that the individual Jirongo was helping at the time would later rise to become a senior government official, a detail that drew murmurs among mourners.
She said the incident reflected Jirongo’s loyalty and generosity, noting that he often stepped in to help others quietly, without seeking recognition.
The PLP leader described Jirongo as a man whose values were evident long before he held public office.
She said his willingness to stand by friends in difficult moments defined his character and shaped the relationships he built across different spheres of life.
Karua added that their friendship grew from that early encounter, even as Jirongo later emerged as a powerful businessman and politician with significant influence on Kenya’s political landscape.
Jirongo, a former Lugari MP and once a key power broker, died earlier this month following a road accident.
His memorial service brought together leaders from across the political divide, with many sharing personal stories that painted a picture of a man whose life extended beyond politics.
Karua’s remarks added a human angle to the tributes, portraying Jirongo as someone whose legacy was rooted not just in politics and business, but also in personal loyalty and enduring friendships.