Cyrus Jirongo is a former Member of Parliament for Lugari constituency and is renowned for his involvement in the Kenya African National Union (KANU) party, where he led the youth wing known as Youth for KANU 92 (YK92).
In a recent interview with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Jirongo revealed insights into his relationship with former President Daniel Moi, who was the leader of KANU for over two decades.
Despite claims suggesting Jirongo’s extended stay in government, he asserted that he never harbored aspirations of long-term political leadership and denied being deeply involved in governmental affairs.
“I was in government for one year only. That was when I served as minister during Moi’s presidency in 2001,” Jirongo said.
Jirongo disclosed that former President Moi had repeatedly attempted to persuade him to pursue a political career, offering him nominations and ministerial positions. However, Jirongo maintained his stance of disinterest in politics, rejecting Moi’s offers. He claimed that his refusal to accept the nomination and ministerial position in 1992 led Moi to nominate Moses Wetang’ula as National Assembly Speaker in 1993.
“Moi nominated me to be an MP and gave me a ministerial position, but I refused because I did not want to be a politician,” he said.
Cyrus Jirongo, a seasoned politician who has contested for governorship and presidency, emphasized that his decision to reject former President Moi’s offers paved the way for Moses Wetang’ula’s political career. Wetang’ula, who was Moi’s lawyer at the time, went on to become the Speaker of the National Assembly.
“My rejection of the offer is how Wetang’ula was nominated into parliament. I gave Wetang’ula my nomination in 1992,” added Jirongo.
he elaborated that following his refusal of the offer from former President Moi in 1992, he experienced a fallout with the Youth for KANU 92 (YK92) and the then head of state. As a result of this fallout, he found himself facing opposition from the state machinery. To protect himself, he sought a parliamentary position.
“I had to fight to get to parliament to protect myself. In 1997. The system machinery came after me,” explained Jirongo.
wetangula’s rise
While representing Sirisia as a Member of Parliament, Wetang’ula held the position of Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2004 to 2007, and later served as the Foreign Affairs Minister until 2011. Following this, he transitioned to the role of Bungoma Senator, serving terms in both 2013 and 2017. During his initial senatorial term, Wetang’ula assumed the position of Senate minority leader throughout the entire duration, although he was removed from this role midway through his second term.
