By Martha Okoth | April 8, 2026
Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has been released on a personal bond of Sh100,000 after appearing in court over allegations of falsifying information.
During the court proceedings, Tuju denied the charges leveled against him but made a striking statement that drew attention both inside and outside the courtroom. He expressed willingness to plead guilty to what he described as a different “offence,” saying it stemmed from actions he took to protect himself under perceived threat.
“I want to plead guilty to one offence,” Tuju told the court. “And the offence is that when I was being followed by suspicious characters, I took cover. Even if I hid under the bed in my house, I am glad I am here to be able to speak to Kenyans.”
The former CS added that his actions were driven by fear for his safety, suggesting that there are individuals who were not as fortunate. “There are those who did not manage to escape and are not here today,” he said, in remarks that appeared to allude to broader concerns about personal security.
The court, while granting him release on bond, directed Tuju to provide details of a contact person as part of the conditions attached to his freedom pending further hearings.
The case is expected to proceed in the coming weeks, with prosecutors maintaining their position on the falsification charges, while Tuju continues to contest the allegations.
