COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli on Wednesday night gave an intimate look into the life and legacy of the late Lugari MP, Cyrus Jirongo, who died in a tragic road accident on December 13, 2025.
“The late Cyrus Jirongo was a free man. At no point did he ever complain to us about any problems from the current government,” Atwoli said, highlighting the independence that defined Jirongo both in politics and in business.
Atwoli also shared insights into Jirongo’s personal life and character.
“Cyrus used to come to my place. He loved driving. It is not that he could not afford a driver or a bodyguard,” he said, noting the late MP’s hands-on approach to life. Jirongo, according to Atwoli, embraced Kenya’s diversity both publicly and privately.
“He was the heart of the Mulembe nation; he was the heart of Kenyans; he was not tribal. In his own family, his wives came from different communities, reflecting his inclusive nature,” he added.
The COTU boss emphasized that Jirongo maintained integrity in all his dealings.
“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,” Atwoli stated.
He painted a picture of a politician who managed business and public life with honesty, avoiding the corruption and backdoor dealings common in politics.
Atwoli’s reflections highlight Jirongo as a rare figure in Kenyan politics: independent, ethical, and committed to national unity.
His death leaves a gap in the political landscape, but his reputation as a clean and principled leader continues to inspire colleagues and citizens alike.