Embattled former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has shocked Kenyans by publicly declaring his burial rites wishes.

He stated that in the event of his death, state officers should keep off his funeral and that he should be buried in 48 hours.

Speaking at his rural home in Ralingo Village, Asembo, Rarieda Sub-County, Tuju addressed his kinsmen and revealed that he has already identified a possible burial site within his homestead.

“I have shown you the spot where I want to be buried here at home. If I die, I should be buried within 48 hours, and I do not want state officers interfering with my funeral,” Tuju told his kinsmen.

He insisted that his final rites should be conducted privately, without government involvement.

Tuju’s remarks come as part of his broader message to his community, underscoring his desire for a simple and dignified send-off.

“I am not afraid of death, but I am afraid of humiliation. That is why I want my burial to be simple and dignified,” he added.

Tuju’s political career has spanned decades, including service in government and party leadership.

However, his recent legal troubles including accusations of staging his own disappearance and subsequent charges of misleading police have kept him in the public eye.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has described the incident as self-orchestrated, while Tuju has accused the agency of harassment and intimidation.

“I have been unfairly targeted, but I will not be intimidated. My wish is to leave this world with dignity,” Tuju said in reference to his ongoing case.

Tuju’s declaration of his burial wishes adds a personal dimension to his public life, reflecting both his cultural roots and his desire for dignity in death.

As he continues to face legal battles and public scrutiny, his insistence on a simple, private send‑off underscores a man determined to control his legacy on his own terms.