Huddah Monroe praises the late Cyrus Jirongo’s generosity in a candid social media tribute that has sparked widespread conversation, with the Kenyan socialite recalling how the flamboyant politician once lavished her with money during his heyday, famously “removing the block” in a way few others ever did.
The beauty entrepreneur and former Big Brother Africa contestant took to Instagram Stories late Friday night to mourn Jirongo, who passed away earlier this month at age 68 after a long illness. In her unfiltered post, Huddah wrote, “RIP J, people say Luhyas hawatoi pesa, but this one alinitoa block, akanitoa lock. Ile Block Serious” directly challenges the common stereotype that men from the Luhya community are tight-fisted while praising the late tycoon’s legendary spending habits.
Her message quickly went viral after fans screenshot and shared it across X, TikTok, and WhatsApp groups, amassing hundreds of thousands of views within hours. Many Kenyans found humour in her blunt Luhya reference, while others appreciated the rare public acknowledgement of Jirongo’s larger-than-life generosity that defined his political and social circles in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Cyrus Jirongo, once one of Kenya’s wealthiest and most colourful figures, rose to prominence as a key youth mobiliser for former President Daniel arap Moi and founder of the Youth for Kanu ’92 campaign. At his peak, he owned fleets of luxury vehicles, helicopters, and prime real estate, often hosting extravagant parties where cash flowed freely.
Friends and associates remember him handing out thick wads of notes to musicians, models, and revellers alike, earning him a reputation as the ultimate “big spender” of his era.
Huddah’s tribute comes at a time when younger Kenyans are rediscovering Jirongo’s legacy through old clips and stories resurfacing online. The socialite, known for her no-holds-barred commentary on relationships and money, implied in her post that Jirongo stood out even among Nairobi’s elite circle of generous suitors. “This one was different,” she added in a follow-up story, accompanied by a laughing emoji and a photo of burning hundred-dollar bills.
Reactions poured in from fellow celebrities and fans. Radio presenter Shaffie Weru commented, “Jirongo was on another level; even politicians today can’t match that energy.”
Comedian Churchill also quipped, “Huddah has spoken for the entire 90s generation.” Some users defended the Luhya community against the stereotype, pointing out successful businessmen like the late Kenneth Matiba and current tycoons who quietly support major causes.
Jirongo’s family has remained dignified amid the renewed attention, focusing memorial plans on celebrating his contributions to Kenyan politics and youth empowerment.
For Huddah Monroe, now a successful cosmetics brand owner with her Huddah Cosmetics line stocked across East Africa, the tribute offered a rare glimpse into her early days navigating Nairobi’s high-society scene. Fans speculate she encountered Jirongo during her modelling years when politicians and tycoons frequently sponsored events and beauty pageants.
The post has also reignited broader conversations about wealth, generosity, and tribal stereotypes in Kenya. Relationship bloggers used it to debate whether lavish spending truly wins hearts, while older Kenyans shared nostalgic tales of Jirongo’s famous Sololo estate parties where helicopters ferried guests and cash rained on dancers.
As tributes continue pouring in, Huddah’s straightforward praise stands out for capturing the essence of Cyrus Jirongo’s enduring myth: a man who, in life and memory, remains synonymous with extravagance few could rival. His passing marks the end of an era when politics and showmanship intertwined in ways modern Kenya rarely sees, leaving behind stories that younger generations like Huddah now retell with a mix of awe and amusement.
