Raphael Tuju: Bury Me Within 48 Hours if I Die in State Custody

Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has issued clear instructions that he be buried within 48 hours of his death and without any involvement from the state.

Speaking from his rural home in Siaya County, Tuju said he has accepted the prospect of death and has formally communicated his wishes to his family. He stated that his directive to exclude state participation is both a personal decision and a political statement.

Tuju’s remarks come as he faces ongoing legal and property disputes linked to prime land in Nairobi’s Karen area. He is also involved in criminal proceedings over allegations that he gave false information to authorities concerning an alleged abduction. 

Earlier this week, he appeared before the Kibera Law Courts, where Senior Principal Magistrate Stella Atambo released him on a personal bond of KSh100,000 and set deadlines for pre-trial procedures. He has denied the allegations and claims he has been subjected to harassment and intimidation by unidentified individuals. 

Tuju further alleged that he was mistreated when he sought assistance at a police station. These claims remain part of the matters under consideration in court.

The former Jubilee Party Secretary-General said his situation reflects wider concerns about land ownership disputes in Kenya. He argued that his experience highlights vulnerabilities within existing systems, questioning how ordinary citizens navigate similar challenges.