Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has escalated his long-running legal battle over his Karen property by writing a formal complaint to Martha Koome, alleging judicial misconduct and bribery in the case.
The dramatic development comes amid a heated dispute involving billions of shillings, a contested property in Nairobi’s affluent Karen suburb, and allegations that threaten to shake public confidence in the judicial process.
Tuju claims that a judge handling matters linked to the dispute allegedly demanded a KSh10 million bribe in exchange for delivering a favourable ruling in the case.
The Karen Property at the Center of the Battle
The controversy revolves around Tuju’s prime property in Karen, which is tied to a massive loan obtained years ago through his company Dari Limited.
In 2015, Tuju reportedly secured financing of around KSh2.1 billion from the East African Development Bank to fund a high-end hospitality and real estate development in Karen.
The development project included luxury facilities such as wellness and hospitality businesses built around the well-known Dari Restaurant and Entim Sidai wellness sanctuary.
However, the ambitious project later ran into financial difficulties, causing repayment delays and eventually pushing the loan into default. Over time, interest and penalties significantly increased the amount owed, with claims suggesting the debt could exceed KSh4 billion.
Auction Controversy and Ownership Dispute
As the loan fell into arrears, the lender moved to recover its money by auctioning the Karen property used as collateral.
This move sparked a prolonged court battle.
According to Tuju, the auction process was flawed and violated court orders that had temporarily stopped the sale of the property. Because of this, he insists that the property cannot legally change hands until the courts fully determine the dispute.
On the other hand, individuals claiming ownership argue that they purchased the property through a lawful auction process and therefore have the right to take possession.
The disagreement over the legitimacy of the auction is what led to dramatic confrontations at the Karen property in recent days.
Tuju’s Letter to the Chief Justice
Amid the escalating dispute, Tuju wrote directly to Chief Justice Martha Koome, raising concerns about alleged corruption within the judicial process linked to the case.
In the letter, Tuju claims that intermediaries connected to the case approached him seeking a KSh10 million bribe to influence the court’s decision.
The allegations have now drawn national attention because they suggest possible attempts to interfere with the judiciary.
Tuju has asked the Chief Justice to investigate the matter thoroughly to ensure justice is served and to protect the integrity of Kenya’s courts.
Corruption Probe Adds New Twist
The controversy surrounding the case has intensified further after anti-corruption investigators reportedly launched investigations into alleged bribery attempts linked to the dispute.
Reports indicate that authorities arrested a former judge and a lawyer suspected of demanding money from parties involved in the case while claiming they could influence court proceedings.
Investigators say the probe is focused on possible interference with the judicial process rather than the underlying loan dispute itself.
Why the Case Has Captured National Attention
The Tuju property saga has become one of Kenya’s most talked-about legal battles for several reasons.
First, the dispute involves a multi-billion shilling debt, making it one of the most significant commercial cases involving a high-profile political figure.
Second, the property itself is located in Karen—one of Nairobi’s most prestigious neighborhoods—adding to the public interest surrounding the case.
Finally, Tuju’s allegations of bribery raise broader concerns about corruption within the justice system, an issue that has long been debated in Kenya.
What Happens Next?
The fate of the Karen property now depends on ongoing court proceedings and any investigations into the bribery claims.
Judges will ultimately determine whether the auction of the property was lawful and who the rightful owner is.
Meanwhile, Tuju has maintained that he will not vacate the property until the legal battle is fully resolved.
