Former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Shakhalaga Khwa Jirongo was remembered as a loving family man, fearless leader, and larger-than-life personality during emotional tributes delivered by his three wives at his burial ceremony.
The eulogies painted a picture of a man whose impact went far beyond politics — a devoted husband, caring father, and a bold figure whose presence left a lasting mark on all who knew him.
Jirongo passed away on December 13 after his vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with a passenger bus at the Karai area along the Nakuru–Nairobi Highway. The 64-year-old was travelling in his private car when the fatal accident occurred.
Speaking on behalf of the family, his wife Anne Kanini described Jirongo as a pillar of strength whose life was defined by love, resilience, and commitment to family.
“He was a man who loved deeply, worked hard, laughed freely, and dreamed big. He cared deeply for the people around him. To our family, Cyrus was a source of strength and guidance. To many here today, he was dependable, kind, and always present when it mattered,” Kanini said.
She reflected on the pain of losing him so suddenly, noting that the family was still struggling to come to terms with his absence.
“We did not expect to say goodbye so soon. Our hearts are heavy with grief and silence, but we take comfort in God. As the Bible says in Psalm 34:18, ‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit,’” she added.
Jirongo’s second wife, Christine Nyokabi, described him as a charismatic and fearless man whose personality commanded attention wherever he went.
“CJ the Man — that’s what they called you in the early ’90s. You were bold, courageous, and unapologetically honest. Your charisma drew people in effortlessly, and your booming laughter announced your presence long before you entered a room,” she said.
She noted that Jirongo lived his life with confidence and authenticity, never afraid to speak his mind or stand for what he believed in.
His third wife, Anne Lanoi, spoke emotionally about his role as a husband and father, describing him as the heartbeat of their home.
“The world feels strangely still without you. You were my constant, my anchor. You loved me in a way that made me feel cherished every day. I will miss how you always answered my calls, how you checked in just to share a joke or ask for my opinion,” she said.
Lanoi added that Jirongo was a devoted father who instilled discipline, ambition, and confidence in his children.
“As a father, you were present and steady. You taught our children to never settle for less and to always strive for excellence,” she said.
