VIDEO: Uhuru Kenyatta receives cheers, heroic welcome during Cyrus Jirongo's burial in Lumakanda

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta during the burial of Cyrus Jirongo in Lumakanda [Courtesy]

A palpable wave of cheers, ululations and applause swept through the burial grounds in Lumakanda as former President Uhuru Kenyatta arrived for ex-MP Cyrus Jirongo's final send-off.

Donning a simple shirt with a pair of black trousers and flanked by area MP Nabii Nabwera, the former President was received with a warm welcome from excited locals who had come together to pay their last respects.

Constituents, family, friends and local leaders gathered early at the Lumakanda Primary School grounds, where the funeral service was held amid tight security.

Among those in attendance were political heavyweights across the spectrum, including KANU chair Gideon Moi, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Speaker Moses Wetangula and other leaders from both government and opposition ranks.

Crowd erupts with joy and ululations as former president Uhuru Kenyatta arrives at Cyrus Jirongo's funeral service. pic.twitter.com/O8fZb7U2H8

- K24TV (@K24Tv) December 30, 2025

Former President Kenyatta joined thousands in celebrating Jirongo's life.

In an earlier tribute, Kenyatta described Jirongo as a "bold and principled leader", whose courage, wit and commitment would be long remembered by Kenyans.

"His leadership left a lasting impression on those who followed his political journey," Kenyatta said in a condolence message shared by his office.

Political allies and rivals alike also shared heartfelt reflections.

At the graveside, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale paid a unique tribute by escorting a bull bearing Jirongo's name to the funeral celebrations, a cultural gesture honouring the late politician's stature and showing the community's affection for him.

Family members, including his wives and children, stood together as prayers and hymns rose into the warm afternoon air.

"To us, he was family, not just a politician," one relative said, describing Jirongo as a pillar of strength whose legacy would be etched in the hearts of many.

Jirongo's final journey followed his tragic death in a headon collision with a passenger bus along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway on December 13, 2025, a sudden incident stunned colleagues, supporters and the nation.

Autopsy findings confirmed that the former Lugari MP died from severe chest and abdominal injuries sustained in the crash.

Jirongo was laid to rest next to his parents at his Lumakanda home, fulfilling a family wish for a dignified farewell to a man whose political life put him in the eyes and hearts of many.