On Sunday, March 15, Siaya Governor James Orengo publicly addressed the unfolding legal and financial challenges facing former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju, characterising the situation as symptomatic of deeper systemic issues in Kenya’s justice and economic systems.
In a statement shared on social media, Orengo described Tuju as “a wonderful leader and strategist” and “a good man doing good,” signalling rare public solidarity from a senior political figure typically aligned with opposition positions.
“Raphael is a wonderful leader and strategist. A good man doing good,” Orengo wrote.
“He is a victim of ferocious capitalism and a bloody cabal in a kleptocratic state.”
Orengo’s remarks come amid high‑profile litigation over Tuju’s multi‑billion shilling debt tied to prime real estate in Karen, Nairobi, where creditors are seeking to enforce court orders to auction property linked to loans reportedly exceeding KSh1.2 billion.
Tuju has been resisting the enforcement action and has raised concerns about alleged unlawful entry and occupation of the property by police and private agents.
While the dispute is firmly rooted in commercial contract and debt enforcement law, Orengo framed the matter in broader political and social terms — suggesting that the “mighty” are able to leverage economic and institutional power against the “weak”.
“When the judiciary cannot protect the weak against the mighty, justice becomes a distant and remote mirage,” Orengo said, echoing concerns among some observers about access to justice and fairness in high‑stakes commercial disputes.
Orengo’s statement did not cite specific legal arguments in Tuju’s court battles, but its political tone may fuel further debate about the intersection of economic power, legal processes and political influence in Kenya.
The governor concluded his remarks with a rallying message for Tuju: “Tuju, let me say this. The struggle continues.”
Tuju, a veteran politician and former Jubilee Party Secretary‑General, resigned from active party politics last year and has publicly ruled out a return to elective politics. His current focus remains on defending his legal position and protecting his assets.