Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has appealed to President William Ruto to take decisive action in clarifying the circumstances surrounding the death of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo.
His remarks came as hundreds of mourners gathered in Lumakanda, Kakamega County, to pay their final respects to the veteran politician.
“The family deserves closure, and Kenyans deserve the truth. The buck stops with the President to ensure accountability and to tell Kenyans who killed Jirongo,” he stated.
Jirongo, who served multiple terms in Parliament and held ministerial positions, was a prominent figure in Kenyan politics.
His influence spanned grassroots mobilization, party politics, and national policy debates, earning him recognition as both a strategist and a community leader.
The senator’s call for transparency comes amid heightened public interest in ensuring accountability for political figures, reflecting ongoing concerns over governance and investigative processes in Kenya.
By directing his appeal to the President as Commander-in-Chief, Omtatah highlighted the constitutional responsibility of state institutions to safeguard justice and provide clarity in high-profile cases.
During the ceremony, Omtatah also extended condolences to Jirongo’s family, including Mama Anne Kanini, Mama Christine Nyokabi, Mama Anne Lanoi, and the late leader’s children.
He prayed for comfort and strength for the relatives during their period of grief. “Poleni sana. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.
The funeral attracted a wide spectrum of attendees, from local residents to national political figures, reflecting Jirongo’s impact across Kenya.
The event underscored not only the personal loss felt by family and friends but also the broader public interest in ensuring that the circumstances of his death are fully investigated.
Omtatah’s statements signal continued attention to accountability in Kenya’s political landscape, reinforcing calls for clear and transparent investigative procedures whenever public officials die under circumstances that raise concern.