Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has pledged to personally provide a torch for the burial of late former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, lending weight to calls for the performance of traditional Tiriki burial rites to help uncover the truth surrounding the politician’s death.
Speaking during a requiem mass held in Jirongo’s honour, Kuria said the gesture was symbolic and aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability over the circumstances surrounding the former lawmaker’s demise.
“I want to support Judge Khaniri. We need a thorough investigation into everything that is questionable. It does not presume guilt on anyone. I am offering to buy the torch because the truth is important,” Kuria told mourners.
He described Jirongo as a visionary and determined leader whose influence shaped a generation of young politicians, particularly during the early 1990s at the height of the KANU era.
Recalling their student days, Kuria said Jirongo played a central role in shaping political engagement among young leaders during the tenure of former President Daniel arap Moi.
“The year 1992 could easily be called the Jirongo year. As student leaders, even those opposed to the government, our political paths were influenced by him. He was determined and focused,” Kuria said.
The former Cabinet Secretary also praised Jirongo’s generosity and commitment to the Mulembe community, noting that he consistently invested resources in political mobilisation across Western Kenya.
“He believed money should work. Whenever he received resources, he would immediately ask how we could organise all the 38 constituencies of the Mulembe Nation,” he added.
Kuria further urged leaders and community members to look out for one another, particularly within political and social circles, calling for unity and responsibility.
Kuria’s remarks come amid growing calls for the observance of Tiriki burial customs, following earlier remarks by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who called for the inclusion of traditional rituals during Jirongo’s burial.
Under Tiriki tradition, a lit torch is placed in the coffin to symbolically reveal the truth behind a person’s death. The belief holds that if foul play was involved, the light exposes those responsible.
Tiriki elders have since visited Jirongo’s home, performing rites and issuing warnings. Elder Wandabuli of the African Divine Church, alongside Thomas Ingara, a custodian of Tiriki customs, stated that the blood of the Tiriki would follow anyone involved in the former MP’s death.
According to cultural beliefs, symbolic items such as a torch, panga, knife, or stick may be placed in the coffin to enable the deceased to seek justice. The torch represents illumination, while the other items signify pursuit and punishment of wrongdoing.
