Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has expressed sadness over the death of Kenyan politician Cyrus Jirongo, who passed away in a road crash in Karai, Naivasha, last December. Museveni revealed that he had only recently learned of Jirongo's death and extended his condolences to the MP's family and to the people of Kenya. Jirongo was a good and patriotic leader who served his country with dedication, Museveni said.
Cyrus Jirongo died in December 2025 when his vehicle collided with a bus in Karai, Naivasha. Museveni, writing on his official X account, said he had been unaware of the death until now. Jirongo was a prominent figure in Kenyan politics, having served as a minister and MP. He had also financed the late president Daniel arap Moi's ruling party, KANU, in the early 1990s.
Museveni credited Jirongo with alerting him to a fuel procurement scandal involving middlemen in Kenya around 2019. Jirongo had revealed that Uganda was procuring petroleum products through middlemen based in Kenya, rather than dealing directly with suppliers. Museveni said he acted on the information by directing the then Minister of Energy, Irene Muloni, to address the situation.
However, Museveni noted that nothing changed at that point, and it was not until 2023 that Uganda established a direct supply arrangement with international energy group Vitol. This change in policy was a result of Jirongo's tip, which had a significant impact on Uganda's fuel procurement process.
Jirongo's death marked the end of a long and often turbulent political career in Kenya. He had pursued various political ambitions, including a presidential run, and had served as a minister and MP. Museveni's revelation that Jirongo played a direct role in prompting Uganda to reform its fuel procurement process adds a new dimension to his legacy as a cross-border political figure.
Jirongo's legacy extends beyond Kenya's borders, with his influence having been felt in Uganda. His death has been met with tributes from across the region, with Museveni describing him as a good and patriotic leader. The Kenyan government has also paid tribute to Jirongo, acknowledging his contributions to the country's politics.
The impact of Jirongo's death is still being felt, with many reflecting on his contributions to Kenyan and Ugandan politics. His role in exposing the fuel procurement scandal has been hailed as a significant achievement, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of politicians and leaders.
Key points
- Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has expressed grief over the death of Kenyan politician Cyrus Jirongo.
- Jirongo died in a road crash in Karai, Naivasha, last December.
- Jirongo had alerted Museveni to a fuel procurement scandal involving middlemen in Kenya around 2019.
