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Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has expressed his desire to be buried within 48 hours of his death, rejecting any state officials’ attendance at his funeral. This declaration comes amidst ongoing legal disputes regarding his property in Karen, Nairobi. Tuju has made personal arrangements for his burial and is currently facing charges related to an alleged self-abduction incident.
Africa-Press – Kenya. Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has declared that he wishes to be buried within 48 hours of his death, while also insisting that state officials should not attend his funeral, amid an escalating legal and property dispute linked to his Karen estate in Nairobi.
Speaking at his rural home in Rarieda Sub-County on Friday, Tuju said he had already come to terms with life and death as tensions continue over his multimillion-shilling business interests and contested property in Karen.
“I have made peace and am ready for anything, including any mental torture that anybody may want to visit on me. Nobody lives forever. Raila died and was buried within 72 hours; Ogolla was buried within 48 hours,” Tuju said.
In a further emotional statement, Tuju asserted his burial wishes and conditions, noting that he had already made personal arrangements for his final resting place.
“I have told my people that when it comes to that, in the event that I die, I would like to be buried within 48 hours. I do not want any state officer to participate, pretending that they have anything to do with me. I have shown my family two spots where I can be laid, and it will be up to them to make the decision,” he added.
The former Rarieda MP, who is facing charges over an incident where police allege that he self-abducted, further reflected on his personal struggles, stating that despite past accidents and life challenges, he remained spiritually anchored and at peace.
Tuju’s remarks come against the backdrop of a prolonged dispute involving his Karen property and business interests, which have been at the centre of legal and enforcement actions.
In March, Tuju alleged that police officers from a rapid response unit forcibly entered his Karen property at around 3 am, removed his security, and took control of the premises without presenting a court order, an incident that sparked public attention and controversy.
On Tuesday, Tuju appeared before the Kibera Law Courts, where he denied charges of allegedly giving false information to a public officer, linked to claims surrounding an alleged abduction incident reported in March.
The court heard that Tuju allegedly informed police he had been trailed and abducted by unknown assailants, claims prosecutors maintained were false and intended to be acted upon by law enforcement.
Through his lawyer, Tuju requested to be released on bond, noting that the offence is classified as a misdemeanour and highlighting his long record of public service.
Senior Principal Magistrate Stella Atambo released him on a personal bond of Ksh100,000, with the court directing the prosecution to provide witness statements and evidence ahead of pre-trial proceedings scheduled for April 15, 2026.
Raphael Tuju, a prominent Kenyan politician and former Cabinet Secretary, has been embroiled in legal controversies surrounding his multimillion-shilling property in Karen, Nairobi. His recent statements regarding his burial wishes reflect a deep personal struggle amid these disputes. The legal issues have attracted public attention, particularly following allegations of police misconduct during a property enforcement action earlier this year. Tuju’s situation highlights the intersection of personal and political challenges faced by public figures in Kenya.
