‘I Might Contest In Nairobi Or Siaya,’ Raphael Tuju Says On His Political Aspirations
Written by Inka FM on 3 March 2022
Former Jubilee Secretary General Raphael Tuju now says that he is still keeping his options open between two counties on which political seat to pursue at the upcoming elections after making a recent announcement which implied that he will throw his hat in the arena come the August polls.
This comes after Tuju formally relinquished his position in President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Cabinet as well as the ruling Jubilee Party as Secretary General during the recent National Delegates Convention (NDC).
According to Tuju, owing to his proven track record, he has the option of contesting for any elective position either in Nairobi County or his home turf of Siaya County.
He however said that before he declares which one he will go for, he has to first make consultations with various players in the political arena of the two counties as well as the residents.
“I am here looking at various political offices. I have lived in Nairobi for the last 49 years. I have a home here and I can contest for any seat in Nairobi, with the right consultation. I can go to maybe three constituencies where I have some comparative advantage,” Tuju said on Wednesday during an interview on Citizen TV’s JKLive Show.
“I can also contest in my home county of Siaya…I have this fortunate position that I do have name recognition and I do have a track record in the political arena so it is much easier for me to get into the fray.”
Tuju continued on to say that despite which elective seat he decides to pursue, he will continue serving the people of Kenya with vigour and enthusiasm.
Some of the most satisfying political achievements of his life, Tuju said, pertain to him positively influencing and transforming the lives of Kenyans that he has had the opportunity to serve during his political career.
“As I am talking to you there are some kids that I have helped. One of them is operating a very successful ICT business in London. This was a kid I took in in Form Three, sponsored him through high school, got him a scholarship out of the country…he’s now willing to help,” he said.
“Another one is very successful in Mombasa, he sent me a Prado and a brand new pick up, free of charge. I have also sponsored some kids who are now doctors…and that gives you more satisfaction than the latest model of a Toyota VX.”
Having served as Jubilee Secretary General for almost five years, Tuju also chimed in on the controversial handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and former premier Raila Odinga stating that he firmly believes the deal between the pair was struck with the country’s best interest at heart.
“I think the president made the right decision in reaching out to Raila. In other countries such as Ethiopia, they are settling political differences through the barrel of a gun but in our country we are just arguing and that is just okay,” said the former Rarieda MP.
He likewise opined that his Jubilee Secretary General successor, Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni, is the most qualified candidate to steer the party forward following wrangles that erupted in the party after the handshake.
“I symphathise with my friend Kioni but he is up to the task. I don’t think there could be a better Secretary General. I left but Kioni also has nationalistic credentials. He is experienced and he is a very calm and sober person. I trust that he is able to steer the party through this challenging period,” he said.
