Seth Panyako has reignited controversy around the death of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo by claiming he knows the individuals behind it. The outspoken trade unionist insists the fatal crash was not an accident but a carefully executed killing.
Jirongo died in a road accident on the morning of Saturday, December 13, 2025, along the Nakuru–Naivasha highway at Karai. Police reported that his vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with a Climax bus.
However, Panyako and several leaders from Western Kenya have rejected the official explanation. They argue that the circumstances surrounding the crash raise serious unanswered questions.
Panyako has gone further, declaring that the same people who wanted him dead are responsible for Jirongo’s death. He claims the killing was politically motivated and linked to wider intimidation of outspoken leaders.
The allegations come against the backdrop of Panyako’s own security fears during the Malava by-election period. In November 2024, he reported attempts on his life after his vehicles were vandalized and his driver assaulted.
According to Panyako, those incidents were not isolated acts of violence but part of an organized campaign. He has repeatedly blamed individuals aligned with the government for sponsoring chaos and intimidation.
Jirongo’s family and close political allies have also expressed deep reservations about the accident narrative. They have questioned why Jirongo was traveling on that route at around 3:00 a.m.
Concerns have also been raised over the lack of immediate eyewitness accounts from the bus passengers. Leaders argue that statements from the 65 passengers should have clarified what truly happened.
Among those demanding answers are Kalonzo Musyoka and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. They have jointly called for a credible, transparent, and independent investigation.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has since opened a formal probe into the incident. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage and reconstructing Jirongo’s final movements.
A post-mortem conducted on December 17, 2025, confirmed that Jirongo died from severe blunt force trauma. Findings included a perforated heart and serious spinal injuries.
Despite the strong claims, Panyako has not yet presented evidence publicly or to the DCI. His statement that “those who wanted me dead killed Cyrus Jirongo” has nonetheless intensified national debate.
As investigations continue, pressure is mounting on authorities to establish the truth. For many Kenyans, the case has shifted from a tragic accident to a test of justice and accountability.
