The late former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo has continued to trend online following the emergence of a WhatsApp message he allegedly sent to a close female friend shortly before his death, sparking widespread debate among Kenyans on social media.
Jirongo died in a tragic road accident along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway after his Mercedes-Benz was involved in a head-on collision with a bus. The incident, which was confirmed by the bus driver, shocked the nation and prompted questions due to varying accounts from people believed to have interacted with the veteran politician shortly before the crash. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident are still ongoing.
Days after his death, Lorna Simatwa, a young politician widely regarded as Jirongo’s political protégé, shared screenshots of private WhatsApp conversations between them. In the messages, Jirongo appeared supportive and encouraging, expressing his willingness to mentor her and back her political ambitions. Simatwa accompanied the screenshots with an emotional tribute, describing Jirongo as a mentor who believed in her potential and consistently offered guidance.
The leaked messages quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from the public. While some Kenyans praised Jirongo for nurturing young leaders and investing in the next generation of politicians, others questioned the appropriateness of sharing private conversations so soon after his death. Several social media users urged restraint, calling for respect for Jirongo’s family as burial arrangements continue.
The situation was further complicated by online rumours linking Jirongo to media personality Liz Jackson. Speculation claimed that the vehicle involved in the fatal accident belonged to Jackson and alleged an intimate relationship between the two. Jackson declined to address the claims, stating that she did not wish to comment on the matter.
As tributes continue to pour in, many Kenyans are choosing to remember Jirongo as a seasoned politician, businessman, and mentor. Despite renewed debate over his final days, a section of the public has called for his legacy to be defined by his years of public service rather than online speculation.
By tuko