Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has made a surprising and emotional public statement saying that when he dies, he wants to be buried within 48 hours and does not want any government or state officials to take part in his funeral arrangements.
His remarks come at a time when he is facing legal battles and ongoing disputes linked to his property in Karen, Nairobi.
Speaking at his rural home in Rarieda Sub-County on Friday, Tuju said he has already accepted life and death and is mentally prepared for whatever happens next.
He added that the stress and tensions surrounding his business interests and property disputes have made him reflect deeply on life and mortality.
He explained that he wants a very simple and fast burial process, pointing out that some well-known Kenyan leaders were also buried quickly.
He mentioned the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in his remarks and also referred to the late Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla, noting that both were laid to rest within a short time after their deaths. Tuju said this showed that a quick burial is not unusual and can be done respectfully.
“I have made peace and I am ready for anything, including any mental pressure that anyone may want to put on me,” Tuju said, adding that no one lives forever and death is a natural part of life.
He further insisted that he has already made personal arrangements for his burial. According to him, he has shown his family two possible burial sites, and the final decision will be made by them when the time comes.
However, he was firm that he does not want any state officers involved, saying he does not want them “pretending” to have a connection to his life or legacy.
Tuju also said he wants to be buried within 48 hours of his death, emphasizing speed, simplicity, and privacy in his final rites. He repeated that his wish is to avoid any long public process or official state involvement.
These remarks come as Tuju continues to face legal and property-related controversies involving his Karen estate and business interests. The disputes have attracted public attention and have been the subject of court and police action.
Earlier in March, Tuju accused police officers from a rapid response unit of allegedly storming his Karen property at around 3 a.m., removing his security team, and taking control of the premises without presenting a court order. This incident caused major public debate and raised questions about the handling of the case.
More recently, Tuju appeared before the Kibera Law Courts, where he denied accusations of giving false information to a public officer. The charges are linked to claims surrounding an alleged abduction incident reported in March.
Prosecutors told the court that Tuju had claimed he was being followed and abducted by unknown attackers, but they argued that these claims were false and could have influenced police action improperly.
Through his lawyer, Tuju asked to be released on bond, stating that the offence is a minor one and also pointing out his long history of public service in Kenya.
Senior Principal Magistrate Stella Atambo granted him release on a personal bond of Ksh100,000. The court also ordered the prosecution to share all witness statements and evidence ahead of the next stage of the case, with the pre-trial hearing scheduled for April 15, 2026.
The case and his recent remarks continue to draw public attention as legal proceedings and property disputes involving the former minister remain ongoing.
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