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Tuju: No State officials at my funeral, bury me within 48 hours
Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju.
Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has ordered his family to bury him within 48 hours if he dies and has further barred State officials from attending the funeral.
His sentiments came after weeks of what he termed frustration and torture, from the seizure of his Karen property to his arrest and subsequent hospitalisation.
Mr Tuju said nobody lives forever and that once they die, they should be buried within a short period, giving the example of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who was laid to rest within 72 hours, and former Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla.
“I have told my people very clearly that when I die, I want to be buried within 48 hours. I do not want to see the State pretending to be involved in my funeral. I am ready for anything,” said Mr Tuju.
Speaking on Friday at his Ralingo home in Ndori, Rarieda, where the family organised prayers for him, the former CS said he had already identified two spots where the family can decide on his final resting place in the event of his death.
He stated that this advisory or wish only applies to President William Ruto’s administration, which he feels has mistreated him.
He said he was disappointed with the manner in which he sought refuge at Karen Police Station, only to be arrested, assaulted and later freed without bail.
Mr Tuju indicated that he is mentally ready for any torture that may be inflicted on him.
Former CS Raphael Tuju at the Kibera Law Courts on April 8, 2026.
“I survived a plane crash where people died, and when I had an accident in Limuru, I broke 18 bones, a total of 21 injuries. My family had to be counselled because I had only a 30 percent chance of ever walking. My God is with me, so anybody trying to intimidate me is wasting their time,” said Mr Tuju.
He dismissed any chance of going for an elective seat, saying part of his responsibility is fighting for what is right.
“You don’t have to be in the political arena as an MP or Senator to make a difference in somebody’s life. But I am listening to the ground and also talking back to them, and I am starting with my Ralingo village,” said Mr Tuju.
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He later met Siaya Governor James Orengo at his office in Siaya Town, where he reiterated the same sentiments.
He appreciated the governor’s visit when he was hospitalised.
Mr Orengo assured him of his support amid the troubles he is going through.
“Tuju has come home to have a conversation with the ancestors after what he went through recently. When you stand for the truth, you end up being put on trial, but be assured that we stand in solidarity with you,” said Mr Orengo.
Siaya Governor James Orengo addresses delegates during the People’s Delegate Convention organised by the Linda Mwananchi faction of the ODM at Ufungamano House in Nairobi on March 27, 2026.
He pointed out that, however long it takes, justice and truth will prevail.
The Siaya Governor condemned the weaponisation of the justice system and the arbitrary use of force, saying it will not stand against the Constitution of Kenya.
Mr Orengo, a fierce critic of President William Ruto who has also faced state excesses during the Linda Mwananchi rallies, hinted at working with Mr Tuju in the future, saying they are ready to face the State.
“Time to stand for the truth and freedom is now. If there is a government that is standing against our objective of having a democratic country that cares for and honours its people, we will not stand and be witnesses; we will stand for our rights. Ultimately, we will be on the right side of history,” said Mr Orengo.
The two leaders from Siaya, however, condemned the planned resettlement of residents of Ramula to pave the way for a private investor seeking to mine gold in the area.
“If these people want to mine, they can go underground, but they should leave our homes alone,” said Mr Tuju.
Mr Tuju also termed the planned construction of a nuclear plant in Rarieda a ‘scam’ by the government, saying the amount allocated for the project is too little.
“The only thing the Energy Cabinet Secretary has to show us is where the waste will be stored, because the waste takes between 200 and 500 years to be safe. There must be proper public participation, not the one held in Bondo recently,” said Mr Tuju.
Mr Orengo, however, proposed a thorough debate on nuclear energy, noting that other countries are embracing it.
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