Tuju: I want to be buried within 48 hours

‎Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has stirred fresh controversy after declaring that he wishes to be buried within 48 hours should he die in the hands of state operatives.

‎Tuju stated that he is prepared for “anything” even as he continues to battle legal issues.

‎Speaking to the press on Friday, Tuju said he had already instructed his family on his burial wishes, insisting that no state involvement should be allowed in his funeral arrangements.

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‎“I’ve told my people very clearly that when it comes to that, that I die, I’d like to be buried within 48 hours. I don’t want to see any state participating, pretending that they have anything to do with me,” he said.

‎The former Jubilee secretary general, who has in recent years been embroiled in high-profile land disputes and legal battles, claimed he had mentally prepared himself for possible persecution, alleging harassment by unknown individuals.

‎“I’ve gone through a lot in my life. I’ve survived a plane crash, and I know that God is with me. I’m mentally ready for any kind of torture that anybody may want to revisit on me,” Tuju said.

‎Tuju referenced recent court decisions touching on his contested Nairobi properties, maintaining that the judiciary had already pronounced itself and that any conflicting claims should be treated as invalid pending final determination.

‎“The courts have talked. Any fake title that anybody has got is treated aside, suspended until we finish this,” he said, adding that he would soon make public the rulings backing his position.

‎In a striking comparison, Tuju cited the swift burial of opposition leader Raila Odinga’s family member as justification for his wishes, emphasising that life is fleeting.

‎“Nobody lives here forever. Raila died, and within 72 hours, he was buried. I was with the family the other day… I want the same, within 48 hours,” he said.

‎He further alleged that he had been trailed and assaulted after seeking refuge at a police station, raising concerns about his safety.

‎“When people trail you, in a normal country, you run to the nearest police station. But in this case, I presented myself and was assaulted...,” Tuju claimed.

‎Tuju warned that his personal ordeal reflects a broader crisis affecting ordinary Kenyans, particularly in relation to land ownership disputes.

‎“If I can go through this, what about normal people?” he asked.

‎Tuju further reiterated that while he remains defiant, he has made peace with his fate.

‎“I’m ready for anything," he said.