NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo died from catastrophic chest injuries that ruptured his heart and severed major blood vessels following a road crash in Naivasha, a postmortem examination has confirmed.
Government pathologist Johansen Oduor said the injuries were instantly fatal, citing severe blunt force trauma sustained during the collision along the Nakuru–Nairobi Highway last week.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday at Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi, Dr Oduor, accompanied by family pathologist Joseph Ndung’u, said the impact caused extensive internal damage, including a ruptured left ventricle and a torn aorta.
“The chest sustained multiple rib fractures, perforation of the heart with rupture of major vessels connecting the heart, bleeding into the chest cavity, and crush injuries extending into the abdomen,” Oduor said.
The examination further revealed multiple fractures on Jirongo’s right hand and both lower limbs, underscoring the severity of the impact.
Dr Ndung’u said the injuries extended beyond the chest, with the spinal cord severed at the thoracic level.
“Our examination concludes that he died as a result of blunt force trauma to the chest, abdomen and spine,” Ndung’u said, adding that the injuries were consistent with a high-impact collision.
A family-appointed cardiologist, Dr Martin Wanyoike, described the heart injuries as unsurvivable.
“As a heart specialist, I witnessed very severe injuries to the heart, and these are not compatible with life. We are sincerely sorry to the family,” he said.
DCI Probe Underway
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has intensified investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash, which occurred at about 2:19 am on December 13, 2025, in Karai area, Naivasha.
According to preliminary findings, Jirongo’s vehicle, registration KCZ 305U, was involved in a head-on collision with a PSV bus operated by Climax Company Ltd, registration KCU 576A.
The impact pushed Jirongo’s car approximately 25 metres from the point of collision, while the bus came to a stop about 50 metres away.
The DCI said a multi-agency team comprising homicide detectives and forensic experts from the National Forensic Laboratory has been deployed to analyse the scene and gather evidence.
CCTV footage from a nearby petrol station captured Jirongo entering the station from Nairobi at 2:18 am without refuelling.
His vehicle briefly stopped at the exit before turning back towards Nairobi. Just six seconds later, the PSV bus collided with his car.
The bus driver, identified as Tyrus Kamau Githinji, has been questioned and released on cash bail, pending further action. He has been directed to report to the Naivasha Traffic Base on December 22.
Investigators have also recorded statements from the petrol station’s night guard and fuel attendant.
Police are retracing Jirongo’s movements before the crash, including interviews with people he met earlier that night at Karen Oasis Bar and Restaurant in Nairobi.
The DCI said a comprehensive file will be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions once investigations are complete, assuring the public of a thorough and impartial probe.
Leaders Demand Transparency
The death has sparked renewed calls for transparency, with political leaders urging authorities to fully account for Jirongo’s final hours.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka said unanswered questions remain.
“This is not a case of accepting and moving on. We want the truth on what happened before we lay him to rest,” Kalonzo said.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua echoed the call, saying conflicting accounts surrounding the crash must be resolved.
“There are too many stories being advanced that don’t make much sense. The truth must come out so that he can be laid to rest with dignity, and Kenyans can understand what truly happened,” Gachagua said.
Jirongo is expected to be buried at his Lumakanda home in Kakamega County on December 30.
