Wetang’ula Recalls Last Meeting With Jirongo Before Fatal Accident

Moses Wetang'ula has spoken of his final meeting with veteran politician Cyrus Jirongo, recalling a quiet discussion just hours before Jirongo’s death in a car crash on the Nakuru–Naivasha Highway on Saturday morning.

The National Assembly Speaker revealed that he and Jirongo met on the night of Jamhuri Day, when Jirongo had reached out to arrange a conversation. They spent an hour together, from 8.30 to 9.30 pm, before parting ways. 

Wetang'ula said he excused himself to rest ahead of a trip to Mazeras the following day. At that time, there was no sign that the meeting would be their last. The next morning, Wetang'ula woke to numerous messages confirming Jirongo’s death. 

"I woke up, opened my phone, and saw messages saying, 'Sorry, sorry, sorry, Jirongo has died," 

Wetang'ula recalled. He reflected on the unpredictability of life, remarking that death remains a mystery that is beyond human understanding. "Today you are here, tomorrow you are gone," he said.

Jirongo, a former Cabinet minister and long-time political figure, was killed when his car collided head-on with a passenger bus while he was driving towards Nairobi.

Jirongo had first gained prominence in 1992 as the leader of Youth for KANU ’92, a group that played a key role in supporting President Daniel arap Moi during Kenya’s first multiparty elections. 

He went on to hold various senior positions in government over the years.

Wetang'ula has described Jirongo as part of a generation of leaders who played a significant role in shaping Kenya’s political landscape during a period of change.