Cyrus Jirongo's family roll call at late daughter's requiem mass tickles Kenyans: "True African"

Former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo is mourning the untimely passing of his firstborn daughter, Lorraine Elizabeth Khalamwa Jelagat Jirongo.

The veteran politician, who was on a trip to Hong Kong, had to cut his journey short upon receiving the devastating news.

Reflecting on their last conversation, Jirongo shared that Lorraine had been in good health, making her sudden demise all the more shocking.

“Lorraine is my daughter, and her mother is Carol. The last time I spoke to her was when her mother was travelling to India for treatment,” he revealed.

He further emphasised that Lorraine had never struggled with health issues.

“She was never sick, never weak. The only time she was weak was when she was born,” he added.

During the gathering, Jirongo took an unexpected turn, introducing his large family in a lighthearted moment that had the audience in stitches.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce my children who are here. Na nikitoka hapa msiniulize maswali (And after this, don’t ask me any questions),” he quipped. “Mimi ndio nilikuwa bwana wa kwanza, ndio Munyua (Waiyaki) akachukua bwana wa pili,” he added, sparking laughter.

His children Ruby Jirongo, Leon Jirongo, Tanya Nyambura, Nicole Jirongo, and Claudia Khalamwa, introduced themselves by profession, underscoring Jirongo’s deep commitment to education.

Also present were Sharon Jirongo, Timothy Jirongo, Sonia Jirongo, June Injete, and Judy Khalamwa.

Proudly speaking about his family, Jirongo remarked, “My children take after me. They are open, strong, fearless, and very intelligent.”

Adding to the humour of the moment, Munyua Waiyaki took a playful dig at Jirongo’s eventful past.

“I worked with Jirongo. Tulifanya kazi, macho yake ikawa kubwa (We worked together, and his eyes got bigger), and we realised he had many others. Maybe he stopped focusing because he was looking everywhere,” Waiyaki joked, referencing his relationship with Jirongo’s former wife.

Jirongo’s candid revelations quickly set social media abuzz.

“Jirongo is a true African gentleman,” commented Johnie Johnson.

Mbaria Karanja wrote, “Lifestyle of the rich and famous.”

Patrick Maina humorously added, “If I were one of his kids, I would have quietly left during the introductions.”