A political storm surrounding former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has drawn fresh commentary from Wafula Buke, a former aide to opposition leader Raila Odinga who once served as the Executive Director of the Orange Democratic Movement.
Buke has called on Oburu Odinga, Raila’s elder brother and a senior Luo political figure, to rally support for Tuju as the former minister battles to retain his multi-billion-shilling properties in Karen.
The dispute has intensified in recent days after police reportedly moved into Tuju’s Dari Business Park property in Karen following a long-running loan dispute linked to his company, Dari Limited.
Courts have previously allowed lenders to pursue recovery of the debt, putting several high-value properties owned by Tuju at risk of auction.
In a statement, Buke argued that the situation mirrors past moments when Raila personally intervened to defend allies or community interests facing political or economic pressure.
He pointed to the Shakahola tragedy in Kilifi County, when authorities cracked down on controversial religious activities.
Buke claimed Raila quickly showed solidarity with preacher Pastor Ezekiel Odero, arguing that the visit discouraged further action that might have targeted the preacher’s establishment.
“Raila has always demonstrated that if one of his own is under attack, he stands with them,” Buke said, suggesting that similar solidarity is now needed for Tuju.
The ODM official also referenced past political confrontations involving businesses and community interests.
He recalled Raila’s call for a boycott of Safaricom during a political dispute years ago, arguing that such collective action showed how communities could mobilize economic influence when they feel targeted.
Buke framed Tuju’s predicament as more than a private commercial dispute. In his view, the case reflects broader struggles over economic power and political influence.
According to Buke, Tuju’s investments — including commercial developments in Karen — represent decades of work and should not be lost without strong political intervention.
“A Luo son is losing his lifetime investment,” he said, warning that the community’s political leadership risks appearing silent at a critical moment.
The former Raila aide also invoked historical examples to support his argument, including the activism that surrounded the burial dispute of S.M. Otieno in the 1980s and the economic pressures faced by businessmen during the rule of former president Daniel arap Moi.
Buke argued that such moments often revealed the importance of unity among political and community leaders.
He further warned that economic setbacks affecting prominent figures could weaken the broader political and economic standing of communities if leaders fail to act collectively.
Tuju, who served as a close ally of Raila and played a prominent role in the 2022 Kenyan presidential election campaign, has been locked in a legal battle over loans used to develop the Karen properties.
The courts have largely ruled in favour of lenders seeking to recover the debt, allowing the possibility of auctioning the assets.
Despite the legal setbacks, Tuju has continued to challenge the enforcement process and insists the actions taken against his property are unjust.
Buke concluded by urging Luo political leaders to step in before the dispute escalates further.
“Tuju deserves protection and solidarity,” he said, arguing that Raila himself would likely have taken a more decisive political stance if faced with the same situation today.