Political commentator Kipkalya Kones has weighed in on the ongoing legal and financial troubles facing former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju, describing the embattled politician as one of the most strategic leaders in Kenya’s recent political history.
Tuju is currently embroiled in a high-profile dispute involving several prime properties in Karen, Nairobi, which lenders are seeking to auction over a multibillion-shilling loan default.
The case stems from a loan reportedly taken by Tuju’s company, Dari Limited, for property development, which later became the subject of prolonged legal battles in Kenyan courts.
In a detailed commentary, Kones reflected on Tuju’s long political journey, recalling his role during the tense period following the 2022 presidential election.
According to the commentator, Tuju remained actively involved at the national tallying centre at the Bomas of Kenya during the extended vote verification process.
Kones claimed Tuju worked closely with former Director of Criminal Investigations George Kinoti during the disputed vote tallying period.
He alleged that Tuju spent several days at Bomas pushing for transparency in the process and raising concerns about possible irregularities in the declaration of the presidential results.
The political analyst said Tuju’s efforts were made in support of opposition leader Raila Odinga, whom he described as having relied on Tuju during moments of intense political pressure.
According to Kones, Tuju remained at the tallying centre “day and night” during the period leading up to the final announcement by former electoral commission chairman Wafula Chebukati.
Beyond politics, Kones also highlighted Tuju’s career in business and media, arguing that his wealth was built through entrepreneurship rather than political influence.
He pointed to Tuju’s communications firm Ace Communications, which he said grew rapidly in the 1980s and 1990s by producing media content for international organisations working on development issues in Africa.
Kones further referenced Tuju’s involvement in Kenya’s early multiparty political movement, including his association with the National Rainbow Coalition during the historic 2002 election that ended the rule of Daniel arap Moi’s party.
Turning to the Karen property dispute, the commentator questioned the circumstances surrounding the loan that is now at the centre of the court case.
According to his account, Tuju initially sought financing for a major real estate development project, but disagreements later emerged between the borrower and the lending institution over the disbursement of funds.
Kones argued that the dispute escalated after only part of the loan was reportedly released for land acquisition while additional development funds were not disbursed, triggering a prolonged legal standoff.
He also criticised what he described as the public reaction to Tuju’s predicament, saying the situation has been widely debated online and in political circles.
The case continues to draw national attention as courts weigh the fate of Tuju’s Karen properties, which include several high-value developments in one of Nairobi’s most affluent neighbourhoods.
Legal proceedings and enforcement actions linked to the dispute are expected to shape the final outcome of the long-running battle over the assets.