Cyrus Jirongo: Lusaka warns empty rhetoric bad for Luhyas
Governor Kenneth Lusaka has urged leaders from the Mulembe Nation to embrace inclusive unity, warning that empty rhetoric on Luhya cohesion without intergenerational engagement could cost the region its political relevance on the national stage.
Speaking in Lumakanda, Kakamega County, during the send-off ceremony of former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo, Lusaka termed it hypocritical for leaders to preach unity while sidelining either the youth or elder statesmen in regional political discourse.
“We cannot continue singing about Luhya unity yet fail to bring together the youthful and older generation leaders. Unity must be deliberate, inclusive and practical,” Lusaka said.
The Governor cautioned that failure by Mulembe leaders to put their house in order would weaken the region’s political grip and diminish its influence in shaping national leadership and policy.
Lusaka eulogised the late Jirongo as a pillar of unity whose political ideology was firmly anchored on community interests. He described him as a generous, innovative and courageous leader who transcended personal ambition to champion collective progress.
“Cyrus Jirongo was a unifying figure. His politics were about the people, the community and the future. That is the leadership we must emulate,” he noted.
He further called on relevant authorities to fast-track investigations into the circumstances surrounding Jirongo’s death, urging transparency to clear lingering questions and give the family and the nation closure.
The burial ceremony drew a host of national and regional leaders, led by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who joined family, friends and residents in celebrating the life and legacy of the late former legislator, remembered as a trailblazer in business, politics and community leadership.
