Jirongo died in a tragic road accident, news that shocked the country and led many leaders and citizens to mourn him online.
As messages of condolence poured in, two tributes stood out due to how closely they resembled each other in wording and tone.
Governor Nassir was among the first leaders to share a long and emotional message. In his tribute, he described Jirongo as fearless, bold, and unapologetically himself.
He praised him as a sharp political thinker and a successful businessman who refused to allow life’s challenges to limit him.
Nassir also highlighted Jirongo’s generosity, saying he always gave his time, resources, and support to others, especially young people he mentored.
Shortly after, President William Ruto also shared his condolence message.
The president described Jirongo as a fighter, a seasoned politician, and an entrepreneur who lived life on his own terms.
Like Nassir, Ruto praised the late MP for his generosity, courage, and willingness to take bold political positions. He said Jirongo left a lasting mark on Kenya’s political landscape.
Kenyans quickly noticed that several phrases and descriptions in the two messages were almost identical.
Popular radio presenter Gidi Gidi shared screenshots of the posts online, triggering a lively discussion. Many netizens joked that the messages looked copied and pasted, while others expressed surprise at how similar they sounded.
Some social media users defended the two leaders, arguing that many public figures use communication teams to draft official statements.
Others said that since both leaders were talking about the same person, it was natural for the messages to focus on similar qualities that defined Jirongo’s life.
However, a section of Kenyans felt that condolence messages should be more personal, especially when leaders describe the deceased as close friends. To them, the similarities reduced the emotional weight of the tributes.
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