Cyrus Jirongo. Photo/Courtesy
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli offered a poignant reflection on the late Cyrus Jirongo during an interview on Citizen TV Wednesday night, remembering the former politician who tragically died in a road accident on December 13, 2025.
Speaking with deep admiration, Atwoli painted Jirongo as more than a political figure.
“Cyrus used to come to my place. He loved driving. It is not that he could not afford a driver or a bodyguard,” he recalled, emphasizing the late leader’s humility and independent spirit.
Atwoli highlighted Jirongo’s role as a unifying force, both within his Mulembe community and across Kenya.
“Cyrus was the heart of the Mulembe nation; he was the heart of Kenyans; he was not tribal,” he said. According to Atwoli, this inclusivity was mirrored in Jirongo’s personal life.
“If you look into his own family, his wives, you will find one is a Kikuyu, another from another community,” he explained, noting the late politician’s commitment to bridging ethnic divides.
Integrity, Atwoli said, defined Jirongo’s public career.
“Cyrus has never been mentioned in any of the known scandals in Kenya; he was not a person in dirty deals, he was not a cartel,” he added, portraying Jirongo as a rare figure in Kenyan politics—one who avoided corruption and shady alliances.
Observers say Atwoli’s tribute underscores the lasting impact of Jirongo’s leadership style, which combined personal humility, ethical conduct, and national vision.
Even after his passing, Jirongo’s reputation for honesty and inclusivity continues to resonate, setting a standard for future leaders.
Through his reflections, Atwoli offered Kenyans a glimpse of the man behind the public persona: a leader who loved his nation, valued integrity, and carried the Mulembe people’s hopes with pride and dignity.
His legacy, Atwoli suggested, will be remembered long after his untimely death.