Cyrus Jirongo, former Lugari MP, died living a solitary life despite having multiple wives. He resided in a friend's house in Nairobi's Gigiri neighborhood, accompanied only by his driver and cook. His life shifted from political prominence to financial and family challenges.
Cyrus Shakhalaga Jirongo led a complex life, particularly regarding his polygamous marriages. At his death, not all four of his wives lived with him. He resided in Nairobi's Gigiri area in a house owned by a loyal political friend during tough times.
Despite losing his wealth and political influence, Jirongo held hopes for improvement. He lived only with his personal driver and cook, planning ways to escape the financial troubles that had plagued him for the past decade.
He rose in the 1980s amid Kenya's economic woes from World Bank and IMF reforms. In December 1985, he met Joan Chemutai Kimeto, a neighbor, and they eloped to Mombasa in 1986 after her pregnancy. “We really eloped. We went to Mombasa. My parents were not pleased. I had plans to study abroad, but meeting Cyrus changed everything,” said Ms. Kimeto.
In January 1992, he was appointed leader of Youth for Kanu ’92, a group backing President Daniel arap Moi. After the 1992 elections, Moi disbanded the group and the government targeted Jirongo, terminating his contracts. This led to more wives, with up to 18 women once claimed. Other wives included Ann Kanini, Christine Nyokabi, and Ann Lanoi.
Ms. Kimeto left for studies in the US in 2000, which Jirongo supported. In a 2010 interview, he endorsed polygamy if the first wife consents. They last met three weeks ago at his Westlands office. Jirongo was known for his generosity to supporters and friends, and he will be buried on December 30, 2025.
