Raphael Tuju Breaks Silence on Jubilee Exit, Speaks on 2027 Future

Raphael Tuju has resigned from his position with the Jubilee Party, submitting his resignation to former President Uhuru Kenyatta on 19 August.

Tuju, the former Secretary-General of the Jubilee Party from 2016 to 2022, says that his decision was motivated by personal factors and a desire for greater independence in his public commentary. He clarified in a televised interview that his departure was not caused by disagreements within the party, but by a wish to express his views without being limited by party obligations.

In his resignation letter, Tuju commends Kenyatta's leadership, acknowledging their long-standing political relationship dating back to their time in the Party of National Unity under President Mwai Kibaki. He indicates his willingness to collaborate with Kenyatta in the future, despite his departure from the Jubilee Party.

During the interview, Tuju addressed speculation regarding his potential candidacy for the Siaya gubernatorial seat in 2027. He dismissed this prospect, citing his current responsibilities as a business leader responsible for the livelihoods of over 100 families. He emphasised his focus on economic management rather than seeking elected office.

Tuju also commented on the challenges facing Kenya's governance, asserting that the country's issues are primarily structural rather than simply political. He suggested that holding a county office would not necessarily enable him to address these systemic problems, noting that counties' resources are largely consumed by recurrent expenditure, leaving insufficient funds for development.

Tuju's exit prompts a broader consideration of the Jubilee Party's trajectory. Initially conceived as a unifying national platform, the party has faced challenges in maintaining unity since the 2018 handshake between Kenyatta and Raila Odinga. While Tuju defended this move as essential for national stability, he acknowledged that it had strained internal party relations.