By Miraj Guo | April 10,2026
Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has declared that he should be buried within 48 hours if he dies while in state custody, firmly rejecting any government involvement in his funeral arrangements.
Speaking during a press briefing at his rural home in Rarieda on Friday, Tuju said he has already communicated his wishes to his family, stressing that his final rites should remain strictly private. He added that he has come to terms with life and death as tensions continue over his multimillion-shilling business interests and contested property in Karen.
“I have told my family that if I die in the hands of the state, I should be buried within 48 hours. I do not want any state involvement in my funeral,” he said.
Tuju’s remarks come amid ongoing legal challenges following his recent arraignment at the Kibera Law Courts. He faces charges of allegedly providing false information to a police officer after claiming he had been abducted in Karen earlier in March. He denied the charges and was released on a personal bond of Sh100,000.
The case follows a series of dramatic events, including his reported disappearance and subsequent arrest. During his detention at Karen Police Station, Tuju reportedly collapsed, prompting concern from his legal team over his health and access to medical care.
His lawyers have linked his condition to a previous spinal injury sustained in a 2020 road accident, arguing that the manner of his arrest may have worsened his health. Family members have also raised concerns over his treatment while in custody.
Political leaders, particularly from the opposition, have criticized the state’s handling of Tuju’s case, terming it politically motivated and calling for urgent attention to his medical needs.
Government officials had not issued an official response to Tuju’s statements regarding his burial wishes.
The matter is expected to return to court in the coming days as proceedings continue, even as concerns over his health remain a key issue.
