The funeral of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo in Lumakanda was meant to be a solemn send-off for a political titan. Instead, it became the scene of a chilling cultural intervention. Former Nairobi Town Clerk Philip Kisia has revealed that Tiriki elders performed a secret ritual known as "The Torch" to hunt down anyone who may have had a hand in Jirongo's death.

Jirongo died on December 13, 2025, in a road accident at Karai on the Nakuru-Nairobi highway. While the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) ruled out foul play earlier this week, the family and local leaders remain unconvinced. The accident, involving a Climax Coaches bus, has been described by some as "too convenient."

The "Torch" Ritual

"We did not just bury a body; we buried a mission," Kisia told mourners. The ritual involves lighting a torch and burying it alongside the deceased, accompanied by specific incantations. According to Luhya customs, if the death was natural, the torch extinguishes peacefully. If it was murder, the spirit of the deceased is "armed" to pursue his killers, driving them to madness or confession within 40 days.

• The Skepticism: Speakers at the funeral, including Eugene Wamalwa and Kalonzo Musyoka, questioned how Jirongo—a man with high-level security awareness—could be involved in such a mundane accident. "Cyrus knew secrets that made powerful people uncomfortable," Wamalwa hinted.
• DCI's Stance: The DCI maintains that CCTV footage from the Eagol Petrol Station confirms it was a tragic traffic mishap. They have warned against spreading conspiracy theories.
• The Community's Verdict: For the mourners in Lumakanda, the police report is just paper. The real verdict will be delivered by the ancestors. Kisia’s revelation serves as a psychological weapon, sowing fear among any potential conspirators.

The YK92 Shadow

Jirongo was the face of the Youth for Kanu '92 (YK92), a group that defined money politics in Kenya. His death marks the end of an era, but the rituals performed at his graveside suggest that his influence—and perhaps his vengeance—will continue from beyond the grave.