Former Presidential Aspirant Cyrus Jirongo Given 24 Hours to Pay Sh5 Million or Face Jail

The court has ordered former presidential aspirant Cyrus Jirongo to deposit a sum of Sh5 million within 24 hours or face jail.

Jirongo was arraigned in court for failing to repay Sh20 million loan given to him by Nairobi businessman Brian Yongo. 

The former Lugari MP will remain in police custody until 1pm, Thursday when he is required to deposit the cash, failure to which he will be remanded.

His lawyers had requested the court for more time to comply with the directive arguing that the Sh5 million was too high. They further noted that the politician was not a flight risk as he is a public figure but the court rejected their plea.

“We request for more time because of the money involved. We can mention the matter on Monday to confirm compliance,” said Jirongo’s lawyers adding that they only had Sh900,000 and needed more time to raise the rest.

Jirongo will spend a second night in the cell at Muthangari Police Station and will be sent to remand at 2 pm on Thursday if he doesn't deposit the amount. He was arrested on Tuesday following a warrant of arrest issued against him by High Court Deputy Registrar Elizabeth Tanui.