Siaya Governor James Orengo has encouraged the embattled former Cabinet Secretary, and Jubilee Party former Secretary General, Raphael Tuju to continue fighting for his health following a hospital visit on Wednesday.
Tuju fell ill while in police custody on Monday, having been forcibly placed into a car during his arrest. His lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, reported that police officers injured Tuju’s back during the rough handling, raising serious health concerns.
After his condition reportedly worsened at the Karen police station, authorities rushed Tuju to the hospital. Orengo commended Tuju’s resilience in a post on X, highlighting his strength throughout the challenging situation that commenced with his disappearance on Friday.
In a poignant video shared online, Orengo stood beside Tuju, who lay in a hospital bed, stating, “My friend and brother Raphael Tuju has fortitude and endurance. I say, keep fighting. We shall overcome,” demonstrating his unwavering support.
On Tuesday, Tuju’s legal team approached the court to secure anticipatory bail, emphasizing his alarming health status. They requested orders to prevent police and other agencies from arresting him or infringing on his freedom of movement.
Tuju seeks the court’s approval for anticipatory bail under reasonable conditions, citing his deteriorating medical state and the persistent police presence at his bedside. In his legal documents, he affirmed, “If granted bail, I am willing to appear before the court or the police whenever summoned.”
The former Cabinet Secretary noted that he had visited the Karen police station but was detained without formal charges. His lawyers revealed that Tuju was admitted to the hospital after his health deteriorated during detention and remains under police guard, despite not having been formally arraigned.
They expressed their discontent with the ongoing police surveillance, arguing that it infringes upon Tuju’s rights and access to necessary medical care. Furthermore, they requested the court to issue orders ensuring that Tuju receives medical treatment without unlawful constraints.
