An autopsy has determined that former Kenyan lawmaker Cyrus Jirongo died from severe chest trauma suffered in a highway crash last week, pathologists said Wednesday.
The postmortem examination showed that the 64-year-old ex-member of parliament for Lugari constituency sustained multiple rib fractures that perforated his heart, ruptured the left ventricle and severed the aorta, leading to massive internal bleeding.
Government pathologist Johansen Oduor, speaking at Nairobi’s Lee Funeral Home alongside experts appointed by the family, described the injuries as fatal and directly linked to the high-impact collision.
Pathologists detail extensive injuries
Oduor said the crash caused crush injuries to the chest and abdomen, fractures in both lower limbs and the right hand, and a severed spinal cord in the thoracic region.
Family pathologist Joseph Ndung’u and cardiologist Martin Wanyoike confirmed the findings. Wanyoike called the heart damage “incompatible with life.”
All three specialists concluded that Jirongo died from blunt force trauma in the accident, which occurred in the early hours of Dec. 13.
Crash occurred in predawn hours
Police say the head-on collision happened around 2:19 a.m. on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway near Karai in Naivasha.
Jirongo’s Mercedes-Benz, registration KCZ 305U, collided with a bus operated by Climax Coaches, registration KCU 576A. The impact shoved Jirongo’s vehicle about 25 meters backward, while the bus came to a stop 50 meters away.
Surveillance video from a nearby gas station showed Jirongo arriving from Nairobi at 2:18 a.m., pausing briefly without refueling, then turning back toward the capital. The crash followed seconds later.
Police probe circumstances of accident
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has opened an inquiry, deploying homicide detectives and forensic experts to the scene.
The bus driver, Tyrus Kamau Githinji, was questioned and released on bail. He is scheduled to report to traffic authorities Dec. 22.
Investigators are examining Jirongo’s movements earlier that night, including a gathering at a restaurant in Nairobi’s upscale Karen neighborhood.
Authorities say the probe is ongoing and a file will be forwarded to prosecutors upon completion.
Politicians demand transparent investigation
Opposition leaders have called for a thorough accounting of the events.
Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the public deserves “the truth on what happened” before Jirongo is buried.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urged a credible probe, saying conflicting stories have circulated and clarity is needed for the family and the nation.
Jirongo rose to prominence in the 1990s as a key figure in the Youth for Kanu ’92 movement, known for its lavish spending during elections. He remained active in politics in later years.
