DCI Apologises Over Wrong Vehicle Details in Cyrus Jirongo Road Crash

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has admitted to releasing incorrect information regarding the vehicle involved in the fatal road crash that claimed the life of former Minister Cyrus Jirongo. The clarification came after public attention and scrutiny followed an earlier police update on the ongoing investigation into the incident.

In a statement shared on its official X account on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the DCI acknowledged that the initial vehicle registration details were wrong due to a typing error. The correction was issued shortly after the National Police Service and the DCI released an official briefing on the progress of investigations surrounding Jirongo’s death.

“We wish to clarify to the public that the registration number of the vehicle involved in the accident that claimed the life of Hon. Cyrus Jirongo is KCZ 350C and not KCZ 305U as earlier communicated. We sincerely regret this typo and any inconvenience or confusion it may have caused,” DCI stated.

The admission added another layer of controversy to an already sensitive case involving the death of a high-profile political figure. While the DCI maintained that investigations are ongoing, the error sparked fresh debate around accuracy, accountability, and professionalism in handling cases of national importance.

Why did the DCI issue an apology over Jirongo’s case?

The apology followed growing concern from the public and leaders who questioned how such a critical detail could be miscommunicated in a high-profile investigation. Vehicle registration details often form a key part of crash analysis, evidence verification, and public trust in investigative agencies. The DCI explained that the mix-up was purely clerical, but the timing of the correction raised questions about the systems in place to verify information before it is released to the public.

The clarification also came amid heightened political and public interest in the circumstances surrounding Jirongo’s death, especially given the involvement of a public service vehicle and the expectations placed on law enforcement agencies to provide clear and accurate updates.

What concerns has MP Peter Salasya raised about the investigation?

Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya weighed in on the matter, calling for accountability from both authorities and the bus company involved in the crash. In a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Salasya criticized what he described as a casual approach to the case and questioned the conduct of the driver involved.

“Sijai ona driver kimbelembele non remorseful driver like wa Climax bus. How do you even get the guts to speak casually about the accident as if nothing serious happened, and how can Climax management mute like nothing happened?” Salasya stated.

He further argued that the police should have released a comprehensive report capturing statements from all parties, including passengers and eyewitnesses. Salasya also questioned why the driver was allowed to speak publicly about the crash outside a police station, describing the move as unprofessional.

“Let me not overthink but it could have been better for the police to give a detailed report from both the driver, the conductor, the passengers and the eyewitness. And allowing the driver to state the accident inside the police station wasn’t a good idea or ethical in terms of professionalism,” he said.

The legislator also faulted Climax Bus management for failing to issue an official statement based on their own internal findings.
“I think it could have been even better for the Climax management to give an official statement from their own investigation,” he added.

Beyond the immediate case, Salasya raised broader concerns about road safety in Kenya, warning that the country continues to lose lives daily due to unresolved issues surrounding road accidents.
“I think we are never serious sometimes as a nation on matters of causes of accidents and how to go about it in solving the problem that is claiming dozens of lives daily on roads,” Salasya stated.

As investigations continue, the case remains under close public watch, with growing calls for transparency, accuracy, and decisive action from all parties involved.

By Yockshard Enyendi