Human Rights Activist Warns Politicians Against Politicising Death of Former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo

 Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has issued a strongly worded warning to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, accusing them of politicising a tragic and sensitive situation following the reported death of former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo.

In a detailed statement released to the media, Ngetich described the emerging political narratives surrounding Jirongo’s death as reckless, primitive and deeply hurtful to the grieving family, the Luhya community and the country at large. He said the tragedy should unite Kenyans in mourning rather than be exploited to advance political agendas or inflame ethnic emotions.

“The death of Cyrus Jirongo is a painful loss to his immediate family, friends, the Luhya nation and Kenya as a whole. It is therefore unacceptable and irresponsible for politicians to use this tragedy to whip emotions, incite communities or score political points,” Ngetich said.

The human rights activist took particular issue with statements attributed to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of engaging in divisive rhetoric and what he termed a long-standing pattern of tribal mobilisation.

“It is horrible and morally bankrupt for the opposition to start using death as a campaign tool by floating unsubstantiated claims of political elimination. Such utterances undermine national unity and erode public confidence in our institutions,” Ngetich stated.

He emphasized that there is an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding Jirongo’s death, being conducted by professional police officers and detectives. According to Ngetich, investigators are reportedly analysing the former MP’s last movements and interactions, a process that should be allowed to proceed without political interference.

“We must learn to trust and encourage our security agencies rather than demean and intimidate them. Investigations take time, and truth is established through evidence, not political speeches or press conferences,” he said.

Ngetich also drew parallels to previous incidents where deaths of prominent individuals were politicised for electoral gain. He referenced claims previously made by some leaders alleging foul play in the death of senior military officers, which he said were used to generate sympathy votes within specific communities.

“This script is not new. We have seen similar tactics used in the past, where leaders rush to allege assassinations without evidence, only to inflame public emotions and deepen ethnic divisions,” he added.

The activist cautioned Kenyans against being misled, noting that public figures — whether in business, politics or entertainment — attract both allies and adversaries, and their deaths should not automatically be framed as politically motivated.

“Public figures are human beings like everyone else. Their status in society must not be used to prematurely conclude the cause of death. Such conclusions can only be made by competent investigative authorities,” Ngetich said.

He further criticised politicians who visit bereaved families under the guise of offering condolences but end up turning funerals and family homesteads into political platforms.

“Leaders who visit the deceased family should do so with genuine intentions — to console, support and stand with them in grief — not to push political narratives or incite the public. Mourning spaces should never be converted into campaign grounds,” he said.

Ngetich also questioned the moral authority of some opposition figures, claiming that they previously served in governments during periods when cases of assassinations and political repression were reported.

“It is hypocrisy of the highest order for leaders who served in regimes where assassinations were allegedly the order of the day to now shed crocodile tears and pretend to be champions of justice,” he remarked.

According to Ngetich, such leaders are driven by political survival and a desperate need to remain relevant amid shifting political dynamics.

“These are power-hungry individuals whose political futures are uncertain, and they are using every available means — including tragedy — to stay in the public limelight,” he said.

He challenged any leader claiming to have information about Jirongo’s death to present it formally to law enforcement agencies rather than spreading rumours in public forums.

“If they have credible information, they should stop rumour-mongering and record statements with the police. That is the only responsible and lawful way to seek justice,” Ngetich asserted.

The activist also appealed directly to the family of the late Cyrus Jirongo, urging them to guard against political exploitation during their time of grief.

“The family should not allow politicians to use their home and the death of their loved one to seek sympathy votes. They deserve space to mourn, heal and seek the truth without incitement or pressure,” he said.

Ngetich noted that well-wishers who genuinely want to help the family can do so constructively by supporting legal processes, including facilitating access to lawyers or private investigators, rather than fuelling speculation.

In his closing remarks, Ngetich warned that continued incitement and ethnic mobilisation could have far-reaching consequences for national stability.

“We therefore strongly warn Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka to stop inciting Kenyans. Our country has suffered enough from divisive politics. At moments of loss, leaders must rise above ambition and act with humanity, responsibility and restraint,” he said.

He called on Kenyans to remain calm, reject inflammatory rhetoric and allow due process to prevail as the nation mourns one of its former leaders.