Wetang’ula Denies Being Questioned as a Suspect in Jirongo Probe

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has dismissed reports claiming he was interrogated by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations over the death of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, calling the allegations false and misleading.

Speaking during a televised interview, Wetang’ula said his interaction with the DCI was voluntary and intended solely to assist investigators. He said that he was neither summoned nor treated as a suspect, but chose to record a statement after learning of Jirongo’s death.

Wetang’ula explained that on the evening of 12 December he met Jirongo at his Karen residence for about an hour before Jirongo left for his home. The following day, after being informed of his friend’s death, he contacted investigators to share details of their meeting, which he believed could help account for Jirongo’s final movements. 

He emphasised that no interrogation took place and that he acted on his own initiative. The Speaker criticised sections of the media for what he described as selective reporting. He noted that several other individuals, including businessman Redman Malala, former Vihiga Senator George Khaniri, and members of Jirongo’s family, also recorded statements with investigators but were not subjected to similar coverage. 

He argued that the focus on him created an inaccurate impression of suspicion, despite the DCI having closed the matter. Wetang’ula said he has instructed his lawyers to seek legal redress, citing damage to his reputation caused by what he termed deliberate misrepresentation of facts. He maintained that the reports ignored the voluntary nature of his cooperation with investigators.

He also spoke about his personal relationship with Jirongo, describing him as a close and longstanding friend. Wetang’ula said their final conversation was routine and centred on personal and business matters, adding that there was nothing unusual about their meeting. He noted that both their families were aware of the friendship.

The Speaker further rejected claims by Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale that Jirongo was a frequent visitor to his office. He described the assertions as intrusive and said private interactions with a personal friend did not require public explanation.