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From TV anchor to CS without portfolio: Raphael Tuju's many lives

With his resignation from the Jubilee Party, Raphael Tuju closes a major chapter in a long and varied public life. We take a look at the man who went from being a fixture on our TV screens to a key political strategist, cabinet minister, and party boss - a journey that hasn't been without its share of drama.
Raphael Tuju
Raphael Tuju

Raphael Tuju resigned his membership of the Jubilee Party on August 19, 2025.

In a letter addressed to former president and party leader Uhuru Kenyatta he said he no longer 'saw value he could add to the organisation' and thanked Kenyatta for the opportunity to serve, paying tribute to the 2018 handshake as a pivotal act for national stability. 

Early life and media career

Born on March 30, 1959, Raphael Tuju was educated at Majiwa Primary School and Starehe Boys’ Centre.

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He holds a Master of Arts in Mass Communication from the University of Leicester.

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Tuju began his professional life in broadcast journalism and later worked as a television news anchor, producer and communications consultant.

Raphael Tuju during his days at KTN

Raphael Tuju during his days at KTN

He founded Ace Communications and contributed opinion pieces to national newspapers before moving fully into politics.

These years in media established his public profile and provided the communications experience that defined his early public service. 

READ ALSO: Tom Mboya, Beatrice Marshall & 8 other news anchors who lit up TV screens in the 2000s

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Political career

Tuju’s parliamentary and ministerial career began after the 2002 elections, when he was elected MP for Rarieda, serving from 2002 to 2007.

Former Jubilee Secretary General and Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju and former President Uhuru Kenyatta (Courtesy)

Former Jubilee Secretary General and Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju and former President Uhuru Kenyatta (Courtesy)

During that period he served in several ministerial portfolios including Information and Communications and the Tourism and Wildlife dockets, and in a 2005 cabinet reshuffle he was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs

After losing his parliamentary seat in 2007 he served in advisory and envoy roles under President Mwai Kibaki.

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He later played a central role in the formation and administration of the Jubilee Party in 2016, serving as its secretary general during the party’s formative years and remaining a senior party figure through the 2013 and 2017 cycles.

In January 2018 President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed Tuju as a cabinet secretary without docket, a position he held until the end of the administration’s term in 2022.

READ ALSO: Ex-CS Raphael Tuju faces auction over Sh4.5B loan default

Controversies

Outside politics, Tuju has long-standing investments in real estate and hospitality.

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His company Dari Limited borrowed from regional lenders to develop properties in Karen and related hospitality projects.

The loan relationship with the East African Development Bank led to prolonged litigation and enforcement actions, and courts intermittently extended conservatory orders while disputes over multi-billion shilling obligations were litigated.

Raphael Tuju

Raphael Tuju

Tuju has repeatedly sought and in some instances secured temporary judicial relief as creditors pursued recovery of secured assets. 

READ ALSO: Raphael Tuju announces new venture inspired by his 2020 road accident

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Personal life

Tuju married Ruth Akinyi in 1986; the marriage ended in divorce in 2013.

Former Jubilee Secretary-General Raphael Tuju

Former Jubilee Secretary-General Raphael Tuju

He is a father of three and has been a recipient of state honours including the Elder of the Golden Heart.

READ ALSO: Tuju rewards medics who saved his life, forgives driver after 16 months

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Over more than two decades he has remained a visible commentator on media policy, governance and national unity.

His resignation from Jubilee closes a sustained chapter in which he combined a media background with high political office and party administration.

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