Former Jubilee Party Secretary-General Raphael Tuju has formally resigned from the party, marking the end of a significant chapter in his political journey. In a letter dated Tuesday, August 19, and addressed to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Tuju cited the rapidly evolving political landscape as the reason behind his decision, noting that he could no longer add value to the party’s operations.
“This letter is to thank you and pay tribute to our political association that dates back to the time when I worked with you under President Kibaki to create the PNU outfit,” Tuju wrote. “I still look forward to working with you in the future. However, at present, I see no more value that I can add to the Jubilee party. I therefore tender my resignation. Please accept my best wishes for your well-being and for the party.”
Tuju, who served as Jubilee’s Secretary-General from 2016 to 2022, highlighted the trust former President Kenyatta placed in him despite ethnic divides. He recalled that Uhuru’s decision to entrust him with the influential role was a bold step toward breaking Kenya’s entrenched culture of tribal politics.
“It was an exceptionally bold political step on your part to have entrusted this sensitive position to me as a person coming from the Luo tribe, while the anchor of the party was essentially the Kikuyu and Kalenjin tribes,” Tuju reflected. “We dared to dream… that we could go beyond tribe. I still hold dear those values of our shared humanity, beyond the easy tribal mobilisation of ‘Us against Them.’”
In his resignation, Tuju also emphasized the importance of giving young leaders space to shape Kenya’s political future. He expressed optimism about the country’s vast social and economic potential, urging Kenyans to remain focused on unlocking opportunities despite prevailing challenges.
Beyond his role in Jubilee, Tuju served as a Cabinet Secretary from 2018 until Uhuru Kenyatta’s exit in 2022, cementing his influence in the former administration. His departure from Jubilee may signify a new political phase, but his loyalty to Uhuru remains unwavering, leaving the door open for future collaborations.
