Autopsy shows Jirongo died from severe chest trauma in Naivasha road crash
Government pathologist Johansen Oduor, flanked by family pathologist Joseph Ndung’u, said the injuries were fatal and directly affected the heart.
Former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo succumbed to severe chest trauma that ruptured his left ventricle and severed the aorta, an autopsy conducted on Wednesday has confirmed.
Addressing the media at Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi, Government pathologist Johansen Oduor, flanked by family pathologist Joseph Ndung’u, said the injuries were fatal and directly affected the heart.
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Both agreed that Jirongo died from blunt force trauma following a road crash in Naivasha last week.
The examination revealed multiple rib fractures, a perforated heart, internal bleeding in the chest cavity, and crush injuries extending into the abdominal area. Additional fractures were identified on his right hand and both lower limbs, indicating the severe impact of the crash.
“There were two fractures in the right hand, as well as fractures on both limbs. The chest sustained multiple rib fractures, perforation of the heart with rupture of most of the major vessels that connect the heart, bleeding in the chest cavity, and crush injuries extending into the abdomen,” Oduor said.
Pathologist Ndung’u added, “We have looked at the body of the late Jirongo, and it had multiple injuries. There were multiple fractures of the right hand, fractures of both lower limbs, crash injuries to the chest with rib fractures, perforation of the heart, rupture of major vessels, bleeding into the chest cavity, and crush injuries extending to the abdomen. There was also a transaction of the spinal cord at the thoracic level. Our examination concludes that he died as a result of blunt force trauma to the chest, abdomen, and spine.”
Dr Martin Wanyoike, a family-appointed heart specialist, said the injuries were unsurvivable.
“As a heart doctor, I witnessed a very severe injury to the heart, and those injuries are not compatible with life. We are sincerely sorry to the family,” he said.
Investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have launched a probe into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Preliminary findings indicate that the collision occurred at approximately 2:19 am on December 13, 2025, along the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway in Karai, Naivasha.
The crash involved Jirongo’s vehicle, registration KCZ 305U, and a PSV bus operated by Climax Company Ltd, registration KCU 576A. The collision was head-on, pushing Jirongo’s car about 25 metres from the point of impact while the bus stopped roughly 50 metres away.
The DCI stated that it has deployed a multi-agency team, comprising homicide detectives and forensic experts from the National Forensic Laboratory, to examine the scene and secure evidence.
CCTV footage obtained from a nearby petrol station showed Jirongo driving into the station from Nairobi at 2:18 am, but not refuelling. His vehicle stopped briefly at the station exit before turning right to head back toward Nairobi at 2:19 am. Just six seconds later, the PSV bus collided with his vehicle.
The PSV bus driver, Tyrus Kamau Githinji, was interrogated and released on cash bail, with instructions to report to the Naivasha Traffic Base on December 22 for further action. Statements have also been recorded from the petrol station’s night guard and fuel attendant.
Investigators are retracing Jirongo’s movements before the accident, including interviews with individuals he met earlier that night at a meeting at Karen Oasis Bar and Restaurant in Nairobi.
The DCI said the investigation remains ongoing and that a comprehensive police file will be compiled for submission to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) once completed. The agency also extended condolences to Jirongo’s family, assuring the public of a thorough, impartial investigation conducted in accordance with the law.
Political figures, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, have joined calls for transparency, urging authorities to provide clarity.
“This is not a case of accepting and moving on. We want the truth on what happened before we lay him to rest,” he said.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also called for a credible, transparent investigation, noting that “there are too many stories being advanced that don’t make much sense. It is important that the truth comes out. Only then can we lay him to rest with dignity, and only then will Kenyans understand what truly happened.”
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