Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has ignited fresh concern and debate after declaring how he wants his death handled, saying he should be buried within 48 hours if he dies in state custody, as he raised alarm over threats to his life and ongoing legal battles.
Addressing journalists on Friday, Tuju revealed that he has already issued firm instructions to his family on his burial, making it clear that he does not want any involvement from the state.
“I’ve told my people very clearly that when it comes to that, that I die, I’d like to be buried within 48 hours. I don’t want to see any state participating, pretending that they have anything to do with me,” he said.
Tuju, who has in recent years been entangled in high-profile land disputes and court cases, said he has accepted the situation he is facing and is mentally prepared for whatever may come, including what he described as possible torture.
“I’ve gone through a lot in my life. I’ve survived a plane crash, and I know that God is with me. I’m mentally ready for any kind of torture that anybody may want to revisit on me,” Tuju said.
He pointed to recent court rulings on his contested Nairobi properties, insisting the judiciary has already spoken and that any competing claims should be set aside until the matters are fully concluded.
“The courts have talked. Any fake title that anybody has got is treated aside, suspended until we finish this,” he said, adding that he will soon make public the decisions backing his claims.
Tuju also referenced the swift burial of a family member of opposition leader Raila Odinga, saying it reflects how he would want his own final rites handled.
“Nobody lives here forever. Raila died, and within 72 hours, he was buried. I was with the family the other day… I want the same, within 48 hours,” he said.
He further claimed that he has faced serious security threats, alleging that he was trailed and later assaulted even after seeking refuge at a police station.
“When people trail you, in a normal country, you run to the nearest police station. But in this case, I presented myself and was assaulted...,” Tuju claimed.
Tuju warned that his ordeal points to a wider problem affecting many Kenyans, especially in land disputes, questioning what ordinary citizens endure.
“If I can go through this, what about normal people?” he asked.
Despite the concerns he raised, Tuju maintained that he remains resolute and ready to face any outcome.
“I’m ready for anything," he said.