Tuju's bizarre burial wishes

Former CS Raphael Tuju .[File, Standard]

Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has stirred public debate after announcing strict instructions regarding his burial, including barring state officers from attending his funeral and directing that he be laid to rest within 48 hours of his death.

Speaking at his rural home in Ralingo Village in Rarieda sub-county, Tuju told his kinsmen that he had already identified his final resting place within his homestead.

“I have shown you the spot where I want to be buried here at home. If I die, I should be buried within 48 hours, and I do not want state officers interfering with my funeral,” he said.

The former Rarieda lawmaker emphasized that his final rites should be conducted privately and without government involvement, saying his wish is for a simple and dignified send-off.

“I am not afraid of death, but I am afraid of humiliation. That is why I want my burial to be simple and dignified,” he added.

The former minister, whose political career has spanned decades in both government and party leadership, said his directive reflects a personal decision shaped by his experiences in public life.

His remarks come against the backdrop of ongoing legal troubles that have kept him in the spotlight. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has previously alleged that Tuju staged his own disappearance, an accusation that led to charges of misleading police. Tuju, however, has denied the claims and accused the agency of harassment and intimidation.

“I have been unfairly targeted, but I will not be intimidated. My wish is to leave this world with dignity,” he said.