Tuju Opens Up On His Next Political Move Including Siaya Governorship Bid

Former Jubilee Secretary General rules out county leadership ambitions, cites commitment to national discourse over local politics

Former Rarieda Member of Parliament and ex-Jubilee Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju has categorically ruled out any plans to contest the Siaya governorship in upcoming elections, declaring his intention to focus on national political discourse rather than county-level leadership.

Speaking during a radio interview on Monday, Tuju made it clear that he has no gubernatorial ambitions, stating emphatically that he sees no value he could add beyond what current Governor James Orengo is already providing to Siaya County residents.

Tuju’s announcement comes just days after his dramatic exit from Jubilee Party on August 19, 2025, marking the end of a significant chapter in his political career that saw him serve as the party’s Secretary General from 2016 to 2022 under former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.

“In this country, everything is seen in political positions. I don’t think I can be of more use to Siaya than the current governor. I’m not inclined in any way to become Siaya Governor, I am based in Nairobi,” Tuju declared during the radio interview.

The veteran politician’s decision appears to be part of a broader strategy to position himself as an independent voice in Kenya’s political landscape, free from party constraints and tribal politics.

Central to Tuju’s political recalibration is his desire for intellectual and political independence. The former Cabinet minister emphasized that his departure from Jubilee was motivated by a need to express his views without being constrained by party positions or being misconstrued as speaking on behalf of any political faction.

“I wanted to walk into a free space and air my opinion, talk without the Jubilee Party worrying. I wanted to speak freely,” Tuju explained, describing his resignation as a personal decision similar to his initial choice to join Jubilee.

This positioning suggests Tuju may be eyeing a role as a political commentator and elder statesman rather than seeking elective office, potentially following the path of other veteran politicians who have transitioned from active politics to advisory or commentary roles.

In his resignation letter to Uhuru Kenyatta, Tuju provided rare insights into the challenges of transcending tribal politics in Kenya. He acknowledged the boldness of Kenyatta’s decision to appoint him as Secretary General, noting the significance of a Luo politician holding such a senior position in a party primarily anchored by Kikuyu and Kalenjin communities.

“It was an exceptionally bold political step on your part to have entrusted this sensitive position to me as a person coming from the Luo tribe, while the anchor of the party was essentially the Kikuyu and Kalenjin tribes,” Tuju wrote in his farewell letter.

The former Secretary General also reflected on Jubilee’s original vision of creating a truly national party that would transcend tribal politics, while acknowledging the persistent challenges posed by Kenya’s polarized ethnic political landscape.

Tuju demonstrated his analytical skills by drawing parallels between different political eras, particularly noting the irony of President William Ruto’s current political position. He pointed out how Ruto, who previously criticized Uhuru’s 2018 handshake with Raila Odinga, was eventually forced into similar compromises following the 2024 Gen Z protests.

“In the ever-evolving ironies of Kenyan politics, after the Gen Z riots of 2024, President Ruto, now bearing the full responsibility of the weight of carrying the state, had to make compromises and do exactly what you had done in 2018: shake hands with Raila Odinga,” Tuju observed.

This commentary suggests that Tuju may position himself as a keen political analyst who can provide historical context and sharp observations about Kenya’s evolving political dynamics.

Looking ahead, Tuju appears committed to advocating for a shift in Kenya’s political discourse from ethnic-based politics to issue-focused governance. In his resignation letter, he urged Kenyans to look beyond ethnic divisions and concentrate on addressing shared challenges such as unemployment and poverty, which he described as the real enemies of national progress.

While ruling out the Siaya governorship, Tuju has not completely closed the door on future political engagement. His emphasis on wanting to speak freely and his strategic positioning in Nairobi suggest he may be preparing for a role as a political elder, commentator, or even a future kingmaker in national politics.

His decision to remain Nairobi-based while maintaining his roots in Siaya County indicates a preference for national over local political engagement. This positioning could make him valuable to various political formations seeking experienced voices who can navigate Kenya’s complex political landscape.

Tuju’s political moves reflect broader trends in Kenyan politics, where veteran politicians are increasingly positioning themselves as independent voices rather than party loyalists. His journey from active party politics to political independence mirrors similar transitions by other political figures seeking relevance in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.

His departure from Jubilee also signals continued fragmentation within the party that once dominated Kenyan politics, as various leaders seek new political homes or independent paths ahead of future electoral cycles.

As Kenya continues to grapple with the need for national unity and issue-based politics, voices like Tuju’s – experienced, independent, and willing to speak across ethnic lines – may become increasingly valuable in shaping political discourse and national conversations.

The veteran politician’s next moves will be closely watched as Kenya’s political landscape continues to evolve in the post-handshake era, with his independent voice potentially playing a crucial role in national political discourse.