Widow awarded in Cyrus Jirongo case

Cyrus Jirongo in June 2011. He is reported to have shot at a motorist who tried to help him after his car stalled on Arboretum Drive in Nairobi. FILE PHOTO | ANTHONY OMUYA |

What you need to know:

  • Mr Justice Hatari Waweru ruled in her favour and directed that she was entitled to Sh4,176,080 in damages.
  • Mr Daniel Gitau died in an accident involving his pick-up and Mr Jirongo’s car in January 2002 at Kipkaren River Market on the Eldoret-Webuye Road.

A widow who sued former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo seeking compensation for the death of her husband in a crash has been awarded Sh4 million in damages.

Mrs Tessie Margaret Kariuki had asked the High Court to compel Mr Jirongo to compensate her over alleged negligence by his driver Mr Saul Lumbasi, over the death of 45-year-old businessman Daniel Kariuki Gitau.

Mr Justice Hatari Waweru ruled in her favour and directed that she was entitled to Sh4,176,080 in damages. In addition, her lawyer’s costs would also be paid by the politician.

Justice Waweru awarded Mrs Kariuki Sh3,840,000 under the Fatal Accidents Act, Sh16,000 for pain and suffering and Sh96,000 for loss of expectation of life.

The widow also got Sh212,080 as special damages and Sh12,000 for funeral expenses.

Mr Justice Waweru also distributed the award among Mr Gitau’s dependants and defined the allocations.

“The damages awarded under the Fatal Accidents Act have to be distributed as the statute demands. Those damages amount to Sh3,840,000. Mrs Kariuki will be entitled to Sh2,040,000. Her three children are entitled to Sh600,000 each,” said the judge.

MADE FRUIT JUICE

Mr Gitau died in an accident involving his pick-up and Mr Jirongo’s car in January 2002 at Kipkaren River Market on the Eldoret-Webuye Road.

He made fruit juice and distributed to the nearby towns, including Webuye, Turbo and Eldoret.

Ms Kariuki had told the judge that the family solely relied on her husband for everything.

She said at the time of his death, the children were still in school and depended on him.