Tuju says he wants to be buried within 48 hours if he dies in State custody

Former CS Raphael Tuju, when he appeared before the Kibera Law Courts on April 8, 2026.

Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has declared that he wishes to be buried within 48 hours of his death and that no state officials should attend his funeral, amid an ongoing legal and property dispute linked to his Karen estate in Nairobi.

Speaking on Friday at his rural home in Rarieda Sub-County, Tuju said he had made peace with life and death as tensions persist over his multimillion-shilling business interests and contested Karen property.

“I have made peace and am ready for anything, including any mental torture that anybody may want to visit on me. Nobody lives forever,” he said.

In an emotional address, Tuju outlined his burial wishes, revealing that he had already identified possible resting places and informed his family of his preferences.

“I have told my people that in the event 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 decide,” he added.

The former Rarieda MP, who is facing charges over an alleged self-abduction incident, also reflected on his personal struggles, saying that despite past accidents and challenges, he remains spiritually grounded.

Tuju’s remarks come amid a prolonged dispute over his Karen property and business interests, which have been the subject of legal and enforcement actions.

In March, he claimed that police officers from a rapid response unit forcibly entered his Karen residence at around 3 am, removed his security team, and took control of the premises without a court order, sparking public controversy.

On Tuesday, Tuju appeared before the Kibera Law Courts, where he denied charges of providing false information to a public officer in relation to the alleged abduction incident.

The court heard that Tuju had reported being trailed and abducted by unknown individuals, claims the prosecution argues were false and intended to prompt police action.

Through his lawyer, Tuju sought release on bond, noting that the offence is a misdemeanour and citing his long record of public service.

Senior Principal Magistrate Stella Atambo granted him a personal bond of Ksh100,000 and directed the prosecution to supply witness statements and evidence ahead of pre-trial proceedings scheduled for April 15, 2026.