The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has released a detailed progress report shedding new light on the ongoing inquiry into the tragic death of former Cabinet minister and veteran politician Hon. Cyrus Jirongo, who died following a fatal road traffic accident along the Nairobi–Nakuru highway.
In a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the DCI confirmed that a team of detectives has been actively pursuing leads linked to a white Toyota Probox, registration number KDJ 564E, which was captured on CCTV footage at Eagol Petrol Station in Karai, shortly before the deadly crash occurred.
Why DCI Focused on the White Toyota Probox
According to investigators, CCTV footage from Eagol Petrol Station showed Hon. Jirongo driving into the station and later exiting, moments before the Probox entered and also exited the premises. This sequence of events prompted detectives to trace the vehicle and identify its occupants in order to reconstruct the final moments leading up to the accident.
Detectives travelled to Keringet in Kuresoi South, Nakuru County, where they interviewed individuals connected to the Probox. Statements recorded confirmed that the vehicle is registered to Hon. William Mutai, the Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Keringet Ward and the Majority Leader of the Nakuru County Assembly. Investigators further established that the vehicle is managed by the MCA’s wife.
Vehicle Allegedly Hired for Family Trip to JKIA
The DCI report states that on December 11, 2025, Hon. Mutai’s wife allegedly hired out the vehicle to Denis Kipyegon Koech, who planned to transport his family to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The family was heading to Nairobi to receive their son, who was returning home from New Mexico University in the United States.
On December 12, 2025, Denis Koech and his family left Keringet for Nairobi, arriving at JKIA at approximately 5:00 p.m. They waited several hours until their son’s flight landed at around 10:00 p.m. After completing immigration and clearance procedures, the family began their return journey to Nakuru shortly after midnight.
Events at Karai and Eagol Petrol Station
While driving back to Keringet, the family encountered poor visibility due to weather conditions. Upon reaching Karai, near the scene of the fatal accident, they stopped at Eagol Petrol Station to refill their wiper fluid to improve visibility.
It was during this brief stop that they allegedly observed Hon. Cyrus Jirongo exiting the petrol station in his vehicle and heading towards Nairobi. Moments later, while still at the station, they reportedly heard a loud bang.
According to their statements, they then saw a bus dragging Hon. Jirongo’s vehicle, an image that would later become central to the investigation.
Brief Stop at the Accident Scene
After completing the refill, the Probox occupants exited the petrol station and stopped briefly near the accident scene. This stop, they say, was at the request of the petrol station guard, who asked for assistance in rescuing the victim.
However, the family maintains that they did not alight from their vehicle. Instead, they used their headlights to illuminate the scene, as it was dark and no other motorists had arrived at that moment.
They claim they left the area shortly thereafter when more vehicles began to arrive and traffic started building up, continuing with their journey back to Keringet.
Arrival Home and Shocking Discovery
The family arrived home at approximately 6:00 a.m., where they later learned, through news reports and word of mouth, that the victim of the tragic accident was Hon. Cyrus Jirongo, a revelation that reportedly left them in shock.
DCI Questions Veracity of Claims
While releasing the progress report, the DCI emphasized that investigators are interrogating the veracity of the claims made by the individuals linked to the Probox. The agency stressed that all statements are being scrutinized alongside CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and other witness accounts to establish the full truth.
“The DCI reassures the family, friends, and the people of Kenya that thorough and impartial investigations into this incident are ongoing,” the statement read.
Corrigendum on Vehicle Registration Number
In a separate corrigendum issued on December 16, the DCI clarified an earlier error regarding the registration number of Hon. Jirongo’s vehicle. The agency confirmed that the correct registration number is KCZ 350C, and not KCZ 305U as initially communicated.
“We sincerely regret this typo and any inconvenience or confusion caused,” the DCI stated.
Public Interest and Demand for Accountability
The death of Hon. Cyrus Jirongo has sparked widespread public interest, given his prominence in Kenyan politics and business. Kenyans across social media platforms continue to demand transparency, accountability, and swift justice as investigations unfold.
As the probe continues, all eyes remain on the DCI to deliver a conclusive report that will clarify the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident and determine whether any party bears criminal responsibility.
For now, the agency insists that no conclusions have been reached, and that every lead will be pursued to ensure justice for the late Hon. Cyrus Jirongo.
