Rarieda: Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has said he should be buried within 48 hours after his death. He also directed that no current state officials should be allowed to be involved in his funeral programme.
According to Kenya News Agency, Tuju made these revelations during a prayer meeting with relatives and residents of Rariedo village at his Rarieda home. He further disclosed that he has already identified two burial sites where he wishes to be laid to rest in case of his death. The decision on whether he should be interred at the family common cemetery or next to his late father, Odiyo Tuju, will be left to the family.
Tuju expressed that he is prepared for any eventuality amid allegations of threats to his life and harassment by police. “I am mentally ready for any torture anybody would want meted on me. Nobody lives forever,” he stated.
The former legislator attributed his current woes and tribulations to persecution by a high-ranking state officer who he alleged had an interest in his multimillion property in Nairobi. Despite these challenges, Tuju remains confident that he will retain ownership of his 27-acre Karen land, asserting that he has the necessary documentation and proof of ownership. “I am clear that the courts have pronounced itself on my property in Nairobi and has suspended any other titles claiming ownership until the matter is heard and resolved,” Tuju added.
Raphael Tuju, who has survived both plane and car crashes in the past, has been in the limelight over the contested Karen property. He was recently arrested and detained in police cells at Karen police station over allegations of providing false information to a police officer before being hospitalized due to failing health.