Fresh questions continue to emerge over the death of former Lugari MP and ex-Cabinet minister Cyrus Jirongo following a new eyewitness account from a petrol station security guard near the crash scene.
Jirongo, 64, died on the spot after his Mercedes-Benz was involved in a head-on collision with a Climax Coach bus along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway at Karai in Naivasha Sub-county.
The accident occurred at around 3am on Saturday, December 13.
The latest account has been given by Ephraim Cheptek, a security guard who was on duty at a petrol station close to where the crash happened. His testimony challenges the explanation earlier offered by the bus driver.
According to Cheptek, the road was calm and largely empty moments before the collision. This contradicts claims by the bus driver that traffic pressure may have influenced Jirongo’s driving decisions.
Cheptek said he observed Jirongo’s car approach the petrol station from the Nairobi direction and slow down in a way that suggested the driver intended to refuel. However, the vehicle did not stop.
Instead, the guard noted that the car passed through the station and headed towards the exit leading back to the highway. He described the movement as unusual, saying the vehicle slowed briefly before accelerating again.
The guard further claimed that Jirongo did not pause or yield at the petrol station exit before rejoining the highway. He alleged that the car moved directly into the lane of the oncoming bus, resulting in the fatal collision.
Cheptek insisted there were no other vehicles near Jirongo at the time and that traffic only built up after the crash occurred, as motorists slowed down upon reaching the scene.
The impact of the collision was severe, with Jirongo’s car reportedly being pushed dozens of metres from the point of impact. By the time people rushed to assist, the former lawmaker had already succumbed to his injuries.
Police records indicate that investigations are ongoing, as conflicting accounts continue to raise questions about Jirongo’s final movements.
As burial preparations proceed, public interest remains high amid the differing versions of events surrounding his death.
By Creatorhub