DCI PROBES BUS DRIVER IN JIRONGO'S DEATH FOR ALLEGED RECKLESS DRIVING

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has intensified investigations into the fatal road accident that killed former Lugari Member of Parliament and Cabinet minister Cyrus Jirongo, re-summoning the driver of the Climax Company bus involved as fresh details emerge from CCTV analysis.

In an update issued on Tuesday, December 16, the DCI confirmed that the crash occurred in the early hours of December 13 at Karai area along the Nakuru–Nairobi Highway, dismissing online speculation suggesting the scene may have been interfered with.

Detectives say the bus driver, identified as Tyrus Kamau Githinji, has been ordered to report back to the Naivasha Traffic Base on December 22, as investigations progress. He had earlier been questioned and released on cash bail.

According to police, Githinji is being investigated for the offence of causing death by dangerous driving, contrary to the law.

The accident involved Jirongo’s Toyota Land Cruiser, registration KCZ 305U, and a public service vehicle bus, registration KCU 576A, operated by Climax Company Ltd. The collision occurred at approximately 2:19 a.m., resulting in a head-on impact that pushed Jirongo’s vehicle about 25 metres from the point of impact, while the bus came to a stop roughly 50 metres away.

Following the crash, the DCI deployed homicide detectives alongside forensic experts from the National Forensic Laboratory to document the scene, secure exhibits and reconstruct events leading to the collision.

A central focus of the investigation is CCTV footage obtained from Eagle Petrol Station, located near the accident scene. Initial analysis shows Jirongo driving into the station at 2:18:40 a.m., though he did not refuel. At 2:19:10 a.m., his vehicle paused at the station’s exit before making a right turn back towards Nairobi at 2:19:19 a.m. Moments later, at 2:19:25 a.m., the footage captured the Climax bus crashing into his vehicle.

Detectives have also recorded statements from the petrol station’s night guard and fuel attendant, both of whom were on duty at the time and provided accounts of what they witnessed that night.

As part of a broader inquiry, investigators are examining Jirongo’s movements before the accident. Police are taking statements from individuals who interacted with him earlier that night, including those present during a meeting he attended at Karen Oasis Bar and Restaurant in Nairobi.

Further analysis of the CCTV footage is ongoing, while additional statements are expected from passengers who were aboard the Climax Company bus and other potential witnesses. Forensic teams are also expected to revisit the scene to study skid marks, vehicle damage and road conditions to establish speed, impact angles and other contributing factors.

Once investigations are complete, the DCI says a comprehensive file will be prepared and forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for review and legal guidance.

The Directorate conveyed condolences to Jirongo’s family, friends and relatives, assuring the public that the inquiry will be conducted independently and professionally.

“The DCI remains committed to carrying out thorough, impartial and credible investigations in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law,” the agency said.