Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has spoken out about the emotional toll his ongoing Sh2.2 billion legal battle has taken on his family, particularly his children. During a Sunday Service at St Michael and All Angels ACK Cathedral in Bondo Town, Siaya county, Tuju appealed to fellow Christians to pray for his children, saying they had been affected by the challenges he was facing. He expressed concern about the impact the situation was having on his children.
Tuju revealed that his children had faced harassment and humiliation amid the dispute, although he did not provide details about the alleged incidents or identify those responsible. He said he had previously kept the matter private and that his remarks in church marked the first time he was speaking about it publicly. Tuju emphasized that his family had remained strong and continued to rely on their faith to navigate the difficulties.
The legal dispute involves a Sh2.2 billion loan facility linked to a Karen development project, which includes high-end residential units and other facilities. Tuju's company, Dari Limited, is involved in the dispute, and the former Cabinet Secretary has maintained that the bank did not fully honour the agreement. He claimed that the bank failed to disburse about Sh294 million that was part of the financing arrangement.
The dispute has resulted in several court cases in Kenya and abroad. In March 2026, the High Court struck out Tuju's application seeking to stop the auction of properties linked to Dari Limited, including the Entim Sidai Wellness Sanctuary and other properties in Karen. The court held that the application sought to reopen matters that had already been adjudicated.
Tuju and Dari Limited were subsequently granted leave to appeal the ruling. The Supreme Court had earlier dismissed an appeal by Tuju in 2023 relating to the dispute, while subsequent proceedings have continued to focus on the loan, the security attached to it, and the proposed recovery of the debt. The case has been ongoing for several years, with various twists and turns.
Tuju said he had personally endured difficult times and had been able to cope through his faith, but expressed concern about the impact the situation was having on his children. He appealed for prayers for his family, saying they needed spiritual support during this challenging period. The former Cabinet Secretary emphasized the importance of faith in helping his family navigate the difficulties.
The case highlights the challenges faced by individuals and businesses involved in complex legal disputes. Tuju's situation underscores the need for parties involved in such disputes to seek legal counsel and explore alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to minimize the impact on their personal and professional lives. The outcome of the case remains uncertain, with further proceedings expected in the coming months.
Key points
- Raphael Tuju's children have faced harassment and humiliation amid his Sh2.2 billion legal battle.
- The dispute involves a loan facility linked to a Karen development project.
- Tuju has maintained that the bank did not fully honour the agreement, leading to a long-running legal dispute.
