By Reporter
Former Cabinet Minister Raphael Tuju shocked his family and villagers when he arrived in Rarieda and pointed out two potential burial sites should he be killed fighting over his properties.
Tuju also directed that no government officials or support should be allowed or entertained at his funeral, terming them as the source of his woes.
He similarly gave a 48-hour will for his body to be interred and joins top leaders from the region, former prime minister the late Raila Odinga who gave a will, and former chief of defense forces Francis Ogolla who left a time will for their burial.
“Raila died and gave 72 hours. Ogolla also died and gave 48 hours. I have told my people very clearly that when it comes to my death, I would like to be buried within 48 hours. I would not like to see any state participating or pretending to be engaged in my funeral. I have made the final decision, and now I am ready for anything,” he said.
During the announcement, some of the relatives and residents broke down in tears, fearing for Tuju’s life, and demanded that the government protect him.
Last month, Tuju declared that only over his dead body will he lose his property after an auctioneer went to claim the facility.
“They had no court order and court papers. They just think they can come and intimidate me so that they can come and take over my property. It is very simple what they have to do. They have to shoot me to get a big burial for me in Rarieda Constituency. I am sure my constituents will come to mourn. After I have been put into the grave, then they can come and take the property through such kind of impunity. I am not going to take this kind of intimidation. It is very simple. They kill me first. I am not taking that kind of intimidation,” he said.
Tuju recently went missing after he claimed he was being trailed by an unmarked vehicle and reported and recorded a statement with the police over threats to his life.
Tuju resurfaced but was later arrested by the police and taken to Karen Police Station. He developed a medical condition while at the station and was given first aid before he was transferred to the ICU at Karen Hospital.
On Wednesday, he took a plea over the alleged giving of false information to a public officer, pleaded not guilty, and was released on a personal bond of Sh 100,000 and was asked to present a contact.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions told the court that Tuju knowingly misled law enforcement, an offence that undermines effective policing and public trust.
Tuju pleaded not guilty to the charges before Chief Magistrate Stella Atambo.
The magistrate also directed the OC Karen to provide Tuju with P3 forms to be filled by him after he allegedly sustained injuries during the arrest.
Tuju, who appeared to be in pain after his release, told the media that he will seek treatment abroad after he suffered injuries during the arrest.
“I am very thankful to my medical team. They have done great work on my health, and I hope to seek medical treatment abroad soon,” he said.
He said during the arrest, the officers allegedly manhandled him and created some disturbance on his spine and other limbs, which are supported by screws.
“I am on painkillers. I feel better when I stand, and I cannot sit for long. I am grateful to Kenyans who continue to pray for me,” he said.
Tuju said he has no apology to make to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and expressed optimism that one day the truth will come out.
“Wherever I hide is not a problem provided that I am safe. My safety is more important to me than anything else. I owe no apology to the DCI,” he said.
Tuju said he was now more invigorated to fight for his premises and will not be intimidated.
“I am ready to protect my property legally and with my blood. I know soon, the truth will come out. It is just a matter of time,” he said.
