Former politician Cyrus Jirongo took a moment to honor his late daughter, Jelagat, during a funeral service attended by family, friends, and mourners. While addressing the gathering, Jirongo spoke highly of his first wife, Caroline Waiyaki, who is the mother of the deceased.
Caroline, the daughter of veteran politician Zipporah Kittony and sister to Kiprono and Kano Kittony, was described by Jirongo as a woman of exceptional beauty. Reflecting on their past, he admitted that her looks played a significant role in his decision to marry her.
“Mama Zipporah knows she had the prettiest girl in town back then. With my big eyes, I could not have failed to notice her,” he said humorously.
Jirongo revealed that they had a daughter together but acknowledged that his infidelity led to the end of their marriage. “I have bad manners, and my big eyes kept wandering.
That is why she left,” he confessed. Caroline later moved on and remarried. Despite their separation, Jirongo recognized her role as a mother and expressed his respect for her.
During his speech, Jirongo also spoke about the shock of losing his daughter, Jelagat. He shared that she was a healthy, hardworking, and well-mannered young woman who rarely fell sick. Their last conversation was when she reached out to him, seeking financial support for her mother’s medical treatment before traveling to India.
At the funeral, Jirongo invited his children to introduce themselves, emphasizing the importance of family unity. He also took a moment to appreciate his current wife, Anne Tanui, acknowledging her efforts in raising his children.
The funeral was a moment of reflection and remembrance, bringing together family members to celebrate Jelagat’s life and legacy.
By Nairobi