Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has accused the government of politically persecuting him, claiming that his prosecution is linked to his political associations, including his relationship with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Appearing before Chief Magistrate Stella Atambo at the Kibera Law Courts, Tuju addressed the court for the first time since his arrest, alleging that his legal troubles stem from political differences rather than a genuine criminal offence.
Tuju told the court that he believed he was being targeted after the President allegedly criticised him at a political rally for associating with individuals he considered the wrong people, including Kalonzo Musyoka.
The former Cabinet Secretary maintained that, given the senior positions he had held in government, he understood the importance of respecting the rule of law, the Judiciary and other law enforcement agencies. He said he had continued attending court despite the physical suffering he allegedly experienced during his arrest.
Describing the case as politically motivated, Tuju questioned the allegations against him, particularly the claim that he had provided false information to a public officer regarding his alleged abduction.
“For all intents and purposes, please do bear with me. This is one of the most ridiculous political cases,” Tuju told the court.
He further questioned how he could have reported his disappearance to the police, insisting that the circumstances surrounding the allegation did not make sense to him.
Tuju also welcomed the testimony of police officers, whom he said had denied that he made the statement attributed to him. He specifically referred to the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), whom he identified as Madam Purity, and the deputy OCS, saying their statements supported his position.
Beyond the criminal charges, Tuju alleged that he had come under pressure from senior political figures who allegedly approached his children and urged them to persuade him to cooperate with the government so that his case could be terminated.
He said he had endured what he described as political persecution following his arrest but drew the line at what he considered interference with his family.
According to Tuju, the alleged approaches left his children distressed, with some reportedly returning home in tears and asking him why he could not comply with the demands being made.
“I behaved very politely, very docile because of my respect for the rule of law. But to have some politician approaching my children and my children coming to my house with tears in their eyes asking me, ‘Papa, why don’t you just do what they want you to do?’ I want to put it on record that I will not do it,” he said.
Tuju maintained that he would not abandon his position because of pressure allegedly directed at his family, insisting that his respect for the law had informed his conduct throughout the proceedings.
The former Cabinet Secretary’s remarks introduced a political dimension to the case, with his allegations raising questions about the relationship between political differences and criminal proceedings. However, the claims of political interference remain allegations made by Tuju and would require independent verification.
Tuju is facing charges at the Kibera Law Courts for allegedly giving false information to a public officer concerning his reported abduction, contrary to Section 129(a) of the Penal Code.
He has since denied the charge and he is out on bail.
