Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has appealed to Christians to pray for his children, saying they have been subjected to harassment and humiliation as he continues to navigate a Sh2.2 billion legal dispute.
Speaking during a Sunday service at St Michael and All Angels ACK Cathedral in Bondo, Siaya County on Sunday 27th September, Tuju said he had chosen not to speak publicly about the difficulties facing his family until now.
“My own children right now are going through a lot of tribulations. Because as you said, I’ve gone through tribulations, but I can manage it.”
Tuju said his faith had helped him withstand his personal challenges, but expressed concern about the effect the situation was having on his children.
“I’m strong enough to manage it through my faith. But my children need prayers. And that’s one prayer item.”
He added that the challenges he has faced should not have been extended to his children.
“Whatever I’m going through should not be visited on them. But unfortunately, it has been visited on them.”
Tuju said his children had been “harassed” and “humiliated in so many ways” but maintained that the family had remained strong through their faith.
“But we stay strong as a family because of the grace of God. And may God be praised.”
Tuju also referred to the experience of former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, whose son Leslie was allegedly abducted in Nairobi in June 2024.
Muturi later told police that he believed officers from the National Intelligence Service were involved in his son’s abduction and said President William Ruto intervened to secure his release.
The allegations triggered further scrutiny, while the Directorate of Criminal Investigations confirmed that the case was under investigation.
Tuju said Muturi would understand the pain of having one’s children caught up in difficult circumstances.
“My brother, Justin Muturi, would understand this, because his child was once abducted by instruments of state. And I know the pain he went through.”
The former CS also utilized the chance to ask the church to pray for Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, citing what he described as the illness of Musyoka’s wife and the demands of his nationwide political activities.
“He has his wife who has been unwell for some time. And through all this, he still has the strength to go around the country campaigning.”
Tuju said he had worked with Musyoka during the campaign for former President Mwai Kibaki and expressed concern about the risks associated with extensive road and air travel.
“Our roads are very dangerous, but he’s going by road all over. Even our aircrafts are very dangerous. People have died in choppers and planes.”
Tuju also introduced politician Newton Ogada, whom he said had recently lost his 24-year-old son in an accident.
According to Tuju, Ogada’s son had been working with the military and his death had left his father caring for a young grandchild.
Tuju said such personal struggles often remain outside the public eye.
“I can say a lot about the personal problems that people have that never come to the public. But pray for us. It’s not easy.”
