Director of Criminal Investigations, Amin Mohamed/FILE
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has said
preliminary findings into the death of former Cabinet minister and veteran
politician Cyrus Jirongo indicate that the incident was a road traffic
accident, with no evidence so far pointing to foul play.
In a statement on Monday, the DCI said Jirongo died on the
night of December 13, 2025, at the Karai area along the Nakuru–Nairobi Highway.
Investigators were deployed immediately after the incident
to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) wishes to
update the public on the ongoing investigations into the tragic death of Hon.
Cyrus Jirongo,” the statement said, adding that a multi-agency team was
constituted to handle the case.
According to the DCI, the team comprised homicide
detectives, experts from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau, and
forensic specialists from the National Forensic Laboratory.
The investigators visited and processed the scene, secured
and preserved exhibits, and documented physical evidence.
The detectives also recovered CCTV footage from an Egol
petrol station near the scene, which is undergoing forensic review.
In addition, the bus manifest and amateur videos captured at
the scene were obtained and subjected to analysis.
As part of the probe, statements were recorded from several
key witnesses, including Jirongo’s widow, Ann Lanoi Pertet, who was the first
family member contacted after the incident.
Statements were also taken from the driver and conductor of
the Climax bus involved, as well as staff at the petrol station.
The DCI further disclosed that senior politicians Moses
Wetang’ula, Rebman Malala and Ibrahim Sambul—who had interacted with Jirongo at
Karen Oasis restaurant on the evening of December 12, 2025—voluntarily recorded
statements to assist investigators.
Seven passengers from the bus also presented themselves to
record statements, while detectives questioned Julius Kiprotich Chelule, the
driver of an alleged rescue bus with registration number KCU 573A.
“Based on the evidence gathered and analysed to date, the
incident appears to be a road traffic accident, with no indications of foul
play,” the DCI said.
The agency noted that once remaining investigative processes
are concluded, the file will be forwarded to the Office of the Director of
Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for further directions, including the possibility of
criminal charges against the PSV driver in line with the available evidence.
The DCI extended its “deepest condolences to the family,
relatives and friends of Hon. Cyrus Jirongo” and urged the public and political
leaders to avoid speculation that could prejudice the investigations or cause
public anxiety.
“Any person who possesses information that they believe may
assist the ongoing investigations is encouraged to come forward,” the statement
said, reiterating its commitment to “impartial, thorough and expeditious
investigations in accordance with the law.”