National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has refuted what he described as
‘exaggerated and defamatory’ media accounts suggesting he faced interrogation
as a person of interest in the investigation into former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo’s
death.
He clarified that his meeting with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
was entirely voluntary and intended to assist authorities, following information
that he was one of the last individuals to have contact with Jirongo prior to
his passing.
The Speaker made these remarks during a TV47 interview.
He criticized certain media outlets, accusing them of purposefully
misrepresenting the situation.
The Speaker recounted that on December 12 evening, he hosted Jirongo at his
Karen home from 8:30pm to 9:30pm, after which Jirongo departed for his own
residence.
After learning of his friend’s demise the next day, Wetang’ula contacted the DCI
to provide a statement, emphasizing the importance of helping
authorities reconstruct Jirongo’s final activities.
“I offered a statement willingly. Nobody questioned me formally. I was not
called in,” he stated.
He mentioned that other individuals, including businessman Redman Malala,
former Vihiga Senator George Khaniri, his spouse, and several others, also
provided statements, yet were deliberately overlooked in media coverage.
Wetang’ula expressed bewilderment at why he was targeted, describing the coverage
as harmful and designed to portray him as a suspect in the public perception.
This situation exists despite the DCI having already informed the public that
the case had been resolved.
He further disclosed that he has directed his legal team to pursue legal remedies
regarding what he termed as damage to his reputation caused by unfounded reporting.
Beyond the dispute, the Speaker spoke with emotion about his
close association with Jirongo, characterizing him as a long-term friend whose
death continues to deeply affect him.
“Was Jirongo my friend? Absolutely. Did his family acknowledge this? Yes. My
family is aware of how close he was to me. The loss of someone dear to you is
painful,” Wetang’ula said.
He indicated that their final conversation was routine and concerned personal and
professional topics, with no extraordinary matters discussed.
Responding to allegations by Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale who claimed to have
seen Jirongo frequently at the Speaker’s office, Wetang’ula dismissed the
claims as peculiar and invasive.
He stated that he owes no one justification for private conversations with a
personal friend.
While recognizing that public office entails rigorous examination, Wetang’ula
cautioned against irresponsible commentary based on unverified information,
emphasizing that such narratives damage both personal reputations and
institutional credibility.
Nevertheless, he affirmed that he remains guided by his principles and
unaffected by political distractions, reaffirming his readiness to assist
Jirongo’s family with legal guidance if they require it.