NAIROBI, Kenya- Former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday delivered a heartfelt tribute to the late Cyrus Jirongo, describing him as a man of peace who believed deeply in multi-party democracy and political tolerance.
Speaking at Jirongo’s burial in Lugari, Uhuru recalled the role the former MP played in shaping his own political journey.
“He Loved Peace”
“He loved peace. He is the one who made me join our party KANU,” Uhuru said.
“Since then, I have walked in different parties, and our relationship never stopped.”
Uhuru said Jirongo understood that political differences should never destroy personal relationships or national unity.
A Defender of Multi-Party Democracy
The former president said Jirongo firmly believed in respecting political parties and working across political divides without weakening democracy.
“He respected multi-party democracy. He knew the importance of respecting political parties and working with other parties without dissolving them,” Uhuru said.
He warned politicians against actions that undermine Kenya’s democratic foundations.
“When we say we are in a multi-party democracy, let us respect that by what we say and do — not by dissolving other parties,” he added.
Unity Must Not Kill Democracy
Uhuru acknowledged ongoing calls for unity in Western Kenya, saying dialogue was important — but must not come at the expense of democratic values.
“I support the calls for Western Kenya to sit down and talk,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean we kill the spirit of multi-party democracy.”
Switching briefly to Kiswahili, Uhuru urged leaders to reject divisive thinking.
“Toa hio mafikra mbovu. Let us respect each other,” he said. “He respected everyone.”
A Legacy of Respect and Tolerance
Uhuru said Jirongo’s life offered important lessons for Kenya’s political class, particularly the need to balance unity with respect for diversity.
Cyrus Jirongo, a former Lugari MP and seasoned political mobiliser, was widely known for mentoring leaders across party lines and championing peaceful coexistence.
His burial brought together leaders from across the political divide — a reflection, mourners said, of the values he stood for in life
