A pathology report has confirmed that former Cabinet Minister Cyrus Jirongo died from severe crush injuries to the chest following a fatal road accident in Naivasha last week.
Government pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor, together with family-appointed pathologists, released the findings on Wednesday, December 17, after conducting a postmortem examination at Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi.
Severe Chest Injuries Identified as Cause of Death
According to the pathologists, Jirongo sustained massive blunt force trauma during the crash, resulting in injuries that were incompatible with survival. The report detailed extensive damage to vital organs, particularly the heart and chest.
“There were multiple rib fractures, a perforated heart, extensive chest injuries, bleeding into the chest cavity, and crush injuries extending into the abdomen,” the pathology report stated in part.
The examination further revealed two fractures on the right hand and fractures on both lower limbs, indicating the severity of the impact.
Family Doctor Confirms Injuries Were Fatal
Family doctor Dr Martin Wanyoike, a cardiologist, said the heart injuries alone would not have allowed Jirongo to survive the crash.
“As a heart doctor, I witnessed a very severe injury to the heart, and those injuries are not compatible with life. We are sincerely sorry to the family,” Wanyoike said.
CCTV Footage Captures Moments Before the Crash
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has obtained CCTV footage from a petrol station near the crash scene, shedding light on Jirongo’s final moments.
According to investigators, the footage shows Jirongo arriving at the petrol station from the Nairobi direction at 2:18:40am, though he did not stop to refuel. At 2:19:10am, he halted briefly at the station’s exit before making a right turn at 2:19:19am to head back toward Nairobi.
Just seconds later, at 2:19:25am, CCTV footage captured a PSV bus owned by Climax Company Ltd ramming into his vehicle.
Impact Pushed Vehicles Several Metres
The collision occurred at approximately 2:19am on December 13, resulting in a head-on impact that pushed Jirongo’s vehicle about 25 metres from the point of collision. The bus involved reportedly came to a stop about 50 metres away.
The bus driver has since been re-summoned by police for further questioning as investigations continue.
DCI Probes Jirongo’s Final Movements
Detectives are also examining Jirongo’s movements before the crash, including recording statements from individuals he interacted with earlier that night. Among the locations of interest is a meeting at Karen Oasis Bar and Restaurant in Nairobi, where he was reportedly present hours before the accident.
Investigations Ongoing
Authorities say the investigations will help establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash, including speed, driver actions, and possible negligence.
As family, friends, and the nation mourn the veteran politician, the postmortem findings now provide clarity on the exact cause of death, confirming that the injuries sustained in the crash were fatal and instantaneous.
More updates are expected as police finalize their investigations.