Raphael Tuju hints at a possible political comeback in 2027
By Mabonga Makhanu, May 2, 2026Former Cabinet Secretary without portfolio and Jubilee Secretary General Raphael Tuju has hinted at a possible political comeback in 2027.
While speaking during an interview on the Herman Manyora Podcast aired on Friday, May 1, 2026, Tuju, who had earlier distanced himself from the political scene, stated that he had decided to lie low until his Dari Business Park woes began drawing him back into the limelight.
“Given the situation in the country at the moment, i was not in the public domain until they decided to throw me in the deep end, and i have to come out.” “”
He further revealed that recently, while spending time in the village, his kinsmen have been approaching him, urging him to return to politics, telling him that he still has some kicks.
In his response, Tuju said he would consult widely and consider whether there is indeed a chance to contribute further to national development, adding that he is open to making himself available for that purpose.
“One thing that i told people in the village is that i will consult, so that if there is a space for people like us to make useful contribution, towards helping this country move forward, we will make ourselves available, but i will do consultations.”
Nairobu gubernatorial quest
This comes months after Tuju came out to refute claims of him eyeing the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in 2027.
While appearing in an interview on a local TV station on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, Tuju denied the claims, laughing them off and stating that he has no such ambitions.
Tuju further stated that he has decided to now concentrate on his business enterprise, which has long stalled and gone down due to his active involvement till 2022 in politics, and since Nairobi requires a lot of work and commitment, he won’t be able to effectively deliver to the people and concentrate on his business on the side.
Tuju added that he has now decided to settle down and concentrate on his businesses, streamlining them.
“Not at all. When I was in politics, kuna tatizo fulani ambayo nilipata, biashara yangu ilienda chini kidogo, and sikuwa na wakati wakufanya biashara vile ningependa kufanya. I have now made a decision; I am streamlining my business,” he said.
Tuju’s focus in the private sector
According to him, before entering politics, his primary focus had been the private sector. He noted that during his earlier business ventures, expenditures often exceeded income, but he is optimistic that things have begun to stabilise and improve.
He also stated that his family, particularly his children, would not allow him to return to active politics immediately, and it will take time before he considers re-entering the political arena.
“Politics was just expenditure, no income; wakati huu nimerudi kufanya biashara. By God’s grace, we are ferrying on well, and my children can’t allow me to go back to active politics; itachukua muda kabla nirudi,” he added.