Siaya Governor James Orengo visited former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju at Karen Hospital on Wednesday as the embattled politician battles health complications following his arrest earlier in the week.
The visit and Orengo’s public message underline growing concern over Tuju’s welfare amid legal and medical turmoil.
Tuju was arrested on Monday after re‑appearing following a highly publicised disappearance that began on Saturday evening.
Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) took him into custody at Karen Police Station as part of a probe into claims that he staged his own disappearance — an allegation Tuju’s lawyers and supporters vigorously deny.
While in police custody, Tuju’s health deteriorated sharply, prompting his transfer to Karen Hospital later that day.
Family members and legal representatives had raised alarm over injuries they say he sustained when officers bundled him into a vehicle at the time of arrest, including concerns about his back and blood sugar levels.
In a post on X accompanying his visit, Governor Orengo expressed solidarity with the ailing former minister.
“My friend and brother Raphael Tuju has fortitude and endurance. I say, keep fighting. We shall overcome,” Orengo wrote, highlighting Tuju’s resilience and urging continued perseverance as he recovers.
Lawyers for Tuju filed an urgent application to the High Court on Tuesday seeking anticipatory bail and orders to restrain police from arresting or unduly restricting Tuju’s movements, citing his fragile health and ongoing police presence at his hospital bedside.
They argue that continued surveillance prevents him from receiving unfettered medical care.
The case has drawn sharp attention across political and legal circles, elevating debates about the treatment of high‑profile suspects in custody and the interplay between health rights and law enforcement.
A hearing on the anticipatory bail application and related orders is expected to proceed once Tuju’s medical condition stabilises further.