Tuju: I wasn’t pushed out, I left Jubilee voluntarily

Former Jubilee party secretary general Raphael Tuju. /FILE

Former Jubilee Secretary General Raphael Tuju has clarified that his recent exit from the former ruling party was entirely voluntary, dismissing claims that he was forced out.

Tuju formally resigned on August 19 through a letter addressed to party leader and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

He said that his decision was informed by a feeling that he was no longer adding value to the party in the face of the country’s shifting political landscape.

Speaking during an interview on TV47 Tuesday night, the former Minister without Portfolio reiterated that he stepped aside on his own accord.

“It was good to give room to others; no one pushed me out, actually they’re still my friends,” he said.

While declining to delve into details of his personal relations with Jubilee leaders, Tuju confirmed that he remains in touch with Uhuru.

“I have friends all over, I have good relationship with President Uhuru Kenyatta, I have a good relationship with (national chairperson) David Murathe, I have good relationships with others who are at the top of that party, including Njee Muturi,” he said.

Tuju also dismissed speculation that he is eyeing the Siaya gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, insisting his focus has shifted back to business.

“That’s far from it,” he said. “Because I have a lot of work in Nairobi.”

He explained that years of active political involvement had hurt his businesses, which he now intends to rebuild.

“My active participation in politics denied me time to properly manage my businesses causing them to go down, but now I have made a decision to streamline my businesses,” he said.

“I did a lot when I was in the private sector... I travelled a lot as a journalist to cover events. Politics was just expenditure. This time I’m back to do business, and by God’s grace we are doing well.”

Tuju added that his children have firmly discouraged him from making a political comeback.

He further rejected claims that he left Jubilee to position himself for appointment as secretary general of a new broad-based political party.

“Kenyans with rumors—it’s what keeps the country going round, so people love rumors, and this is the first time actually I’m hearing that one,” he said.

Tuju served as Jubilee secretary general from 2016 to 2022.

He was also appointed to the Cabinet by Uhuru in 2018, a position he held until 2022.