As a renown media personality, her name rekindles memories of popular 1990s TV game show Omo Pick-a-Box, the Vijana Tugutuke voting campaign and an upbeat, energetic and feisty young woman who was always ready to use her talents to champion a cause.
Ms Irungu also hosted Club Kiboko for five years between 1994 and 1999, while also producing magazine show Maisha and a youth talk show dubbed Niaje.
She later hosted State of The Nation, a radio show at then-Nation FM.
Ms Irungu was a lupus survivor, a long-term autoimmune disease, and was open about her struggles with it. She had also undergone three kidney transplants.
“I was diagnosed with lupus in my early twenties, which attacked my kidneys. I had my first kidney transplant in 1998. So far I have had three other transplants, the last one being in 2008,” she said while on an episode of Unscripted with Grace, which aired on NTV last year.
It all began with an infection that evolved into tuberculosis of the spine which saw her admitted to Nairobi Hospital.
“I no longer had the will to fight. I was scarred physically and mentally. Frankly, I’d had enough of life and all it had to offer,” Irungu stated in a past interview with Daily Nation.
But Irungu did decide to fight, with the help of a very giving family. Three times she has needed a kidney transplant, and three times her family members insisted on donating. First, her father donated, then her sister, and then her brother.
Reactions
On the news of her death, tributes began to pour in on social media.
Iam really really saddened to hear the passing of Lorna Irungu. She is one who opened the Corporate doors for me. Lorna Irungu gave me my 1st ever endorsement 'Motorolla Brand Ambassador' Very Sad day today. Rest with the Angels #RIP 😢😢😢😢😢 pic.twitter.com/4qFnNoNe5k
It is with great sadness that I have learnt of the passing on of Lorna Irungu. Lorna was a good friend and a true professional in the media and communications field. May her soul rest in eternal peace. pic.twitter.com/dqviyUqkv1
I apologize for breaking down on air but very few people in this wretched industry have been as kind to me as Lorna Irungu was... one of the nicest, kindest people I ever met...
Oh no what a tragedy!! I have fond memories of Lorna Irungu and @JimmiGathu hosting Club Kiboko back in my childhood....always had something to look forward to on Saturday mornings. Rest in Peace Lorna, you truly won so many battles over the years 🕊️🕊️🕊️ https://t.co/rLo4AqPKET
Sigh, this week 😢. It’s just Monday & two people I considered good friends have succumbed to this virus. Lorna Irungu & a woman for all intents & purpose I called grand ma. Three days was all it took 😔😔
Lorna called constantly to check up on me last year and this one too.. Said she was doing it coz she knew things were thick and we need to check up each other... 😔