How handshake brought Tuju back to life

The political marriage between Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga has paved way for a comeback of Nyanza politicians reject Raphael Tuju.

Tuju met his political Waterloo after losing his seat despite initiating many projects in the constituency including a mobile clinic offering free services.

The former Rarieda MP faced all manners of animosity from his tribesmen in the name of opposing regional political godfather Raila.

In 2007, Tuju was forced to relocate his mother in fear that she might be attacked by NASA supporters.

As political analysts state, there is no permanent enemy in politics, Since the introduction of the handshake, the Jubilee SG can now walk freely in Rarienda, a constituency that he couldn’t dare set a foot.

As Cabinet Secretary without portfolio in the Jubilee government, Tuju has become a key person in pushing forward the Building Bridges Initiative spearheaded by Uhuru and Raila after the ‘Handshake’, which some feel is targeted at checking Deputy President Dr. William Ruto’s presidential aspirations especially following a push to create a powerful Prime Minister’s position.

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There have even been talks that Tuju could be fronted as the successor to Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga but the one-time television news anchor denied having such ambitions even after being prodded on by then Jubilee vice-chairman David Murathe at the burial.

Speaking during the burial of his younger brother Kefa Oduor Tuju at Ralingo village, Rarieda he dismissed claims that he intends to run for the Siaya gubernatorial seat in the 2022 elections.

The Jubilee Secretary General, who is also a Cabinet Secretary without portfolio, said through is position, he shall only be able to support the region in terms of development, if permitted.

Vice chairman David Murathe had urged Tuju not to fear Orengo who has declared interest for the seat.

He told Tuju not to fear Siaya Senator James Orengo, who has been linked to the seat.

“Na vile wewe unaogopa Orengo, Wacha kuogopa Orengo. [The way you fear Orengo, stop fearing him]. He is a politician and not a technocrat. Orengo has no time to be a manager,” Marathe said.

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