Raphael Tuju Net Worth, Loan Scandals, Wife, and List of Properties

Raphael Tuju is a Kenyan politician who has served in different government roles. He was once a Member of Parliament in Rarieda Constituency between 2002 and 2007, where he was praised for bringing several developments to his people, including water projects and mobile clinics. Just like any other man, Tuju has also faced major challenges in life.

He was born on 30th March 1959 and has a good record of education. He studied at the prestigious Starehe Boys Centre, performed well, and pursued his higher studies in Mass Communication in America. He is also known for his fluent English, as occasionally noted when speaking in public.

Career

Most Kenyans do not know that Tuju is a professional journalist. Even I was surprised to find out about that. He even won an International Emmy Award, becoming the first African TV producer to win an Emmy Award after making a compelling documentary on health and development.

He has worked at two major news stations, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) and KTN. He has also had his own production firm, Ace Communications, which he founded in 1992.

Tuju has also served for international global agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank, and USAID.

Political Journey

His recent position was Secretary General of the Jubilee Party, where he was appointed when Uhuru Kenyatta was the President of Kenya in 2016. He later left the job in August 2025.

Just like the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, he has served in different governments, even during the time of Moi. Tuju was also Minister for Information and Communications, Tourism and Wildlife, and Foreign Affairs during the late President Mwai Kibaki era, between 2002 and 2007.

Tuju List of Properties

The following are the key properties associated with former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju, primarily located in the Karen area of Nairobi. These assets have been the subject of a long-standing legal battle with the East African Development Bank (EADB) over a multibillion-shilling debt.

Dari Business Park: A prime commercial property and high-end hospitality site located along Ngong Road in Karen. It includes the Dari Coffee and Garden Restaurant, an eco-themed wellness and dining space.

Entim Sidai Wellness Sanctuary: A sprawling 20-acre boutique retreat and spa located on Tree Lane in Karen, valued at over Sh1.3 billion.

Tamarind Karen: A prime commercial asset listed as part of the collateral for the defaulted loan.

Tree Lane Property: A 20-acre parcel of land in Karen, which was part of Tuju’s ambitious real estate development plan to build luxury boutique cottages and retirement villas.

Matrimonial Home: References have been made to Tuju’s private residence in Karen being at risk or involved in the eviction standoffs.

Following a court ruling in March 2026, the properties above face auction after the court dismissed Tuju’s attempt to block the bank from recovering a debt that is approximately KSh 2.3 billion. Some reports indicate that Dari Restaurant was recently sold to a private buyer at a cost of KSh 450 million.

Tuju’s bank loan scandal has been ongoing for more than 11 years after he was given a loan of KSh 943.9 million. He was supposed to finish the payment by 2017, which he has failed to do up to now, and the London company is now pursuing the debt.

Following a forceful eviction from his Karen property on March 14, 2026, several political leaders came to his aid, offering solidarity, including Babu Owino, Gladys Wanga, and the former bodyguard of Raila, Maurice Ogeta.

Tuju Separation from His Wife

He has three children: Mano Tuju, Alma Tuju, and YMA Tuju. He divorced his wife, Ruth Akinyi, after a scandal involving his bodyguard who was serving at his Karen home. The security guard, Tony Ogunda, later died, and his body was found lifeless in his house in Nairobi. This happened after Tuju had filed a court case involving his separation from Akinyi.

Ruth Akinyi has been seen in Mukuru Kwa Njenga, one of the informal settlements in Nairobi. She is doing a small hotel business to earn a living.