“I Will Not Defend Him”: Gachagua Distances Himself from Raphael Tuju’s Legal Troubles

Political tensions resurfaced Sunday, 15 March, after Rigathi Gachagua publicly distanced himself from the legal and financial troubles facing former Cabinet minister Raphael Tuju, saying he would not intervene in the matter.

Speaking during an interdenominational church service at Kirathani Grounds in Gatanga Constituency, Murang’a County, the leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) said he had deliberately chosen not to defend Tuju despite growing public discussion surrounding the former Jubilee Party secretary-general’s ongoing legal battles.

Gachagua argued that political solidarity must be mutual and suggested that leaders who remained silent when businesses owned by members of the Kikuyu community faced alleged disruptions in parts of Nairobi should not expect his intervention now.

“I will not defend Tuju publicly,” he said, explaining that his political focus remains on issues affecting his community and supporters.

Political Reciprocity and Community Tensions

During the address, Gachagua referenced earlier incidents in Nairobi neighbourhoods, including Githurai and Roysamb,u where some businesses linked to Kikuyu traders were reportedly affected by demolitions or disruptions.

According to him, the absence of public condemnation from certain leaders at the time has shaped his position today.

“Leaders from that side never came out when Kikuyu businesses were being destroyed in Githurai and Roysambu,” Gachagua said, adding that political alliances should be built on reciprocity during periods of pressure.

He suggested that Tuju should instead seek support from leaders within his own political networks.

In particular, Gachagua mentioned veteran politician Oburu Odinga as one of the figures who could speak on Tuju’s behalf if necessary.

His comments, therefore, presented the matter as not just one involving the law, but also politics and ethnic loyalty in Kenya’s complex politics.

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Ongoing Legal and Financial Issues Involving Tuju

Mr. Tuju has been involved in an ongoing legal battle over financial issues, particularly those related to loans obtained by companies associated with him, especially those related to real estate developments in Nairobi.

The issue started when Dari Limited, a company associated with Mr. Tuju, obtained a loan facility in 2015 from the East African Development Bank for the development of property in Karen, Nairobi.

However, due to the company’s failure to meet its obligation regarding the loan, the lenders began the process to recover the billions of shillings owed to it through the sale of the properties used as collateral for the debt.

The courts have largely ruled in favor of the lenders’ right to recover the debts owed to it by the company.

At some point, the High Court temporarily halted the process to auction a 27-acre property associated with Mr. Tuju in Karen due to ongoing legal debates over the valuation and ownership of the property.

However, the courts have recently allowed the process to continue as the lenders seek to recover over Ksh 4.5 billion related to the disputed loan facility.

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Debate Over Politics Versus Legal Matters

The emerging debate has sparked debate in the entire political landscape of Kenya, with some leaders calling for caution and balance while others have argued that the matter should not be seen as a political one but rather a commercial or legal one.

Gachagua’s comments, therefore, bring in the political element into the debate by creating a link between the situation of Tuju and the ethnic and political problems that have been experienced in the country in the past.

According to analysts, such comments have a way of resonating greatly within the highly mobilized political landscape of Kenya, especially at this time when leaders are already positioning themselves to compete in the general elections slated for 2027.

Currently, the case of Tuju is in court, but Gachagua’s comments have highlighted how the legal process can sometimes transform into a political debate.

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Photo of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. PHOTO/Gachagua X