Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has intensified his legal fight over his Karen property after accusing a judge of attempting to solicit a bribe to influence the outcome of the case.
Tuju recently wrote a formal complaint to Chief Justice Martha Koome, claiming that individuals linked to the case approached him with a demand for KSh10 million in exchange for a favorable court decision.
The explosive allegation adds a new layer of controversy to an already complex property dispute that has been unfolding in Kenyan courts for several years.
A Multi-Billion Shilling Loan at the Center of the Dispute
The legal battle stems from a massive loan taken by Tuju’s company, Dari Limited, from the East African Development Bank.
The funds were reportedly used to develop an ambitious hospitality and wellness project located on prime land in Karen, Nairobi.
The development included businesses such as restaurants, wellness facilities, and luxury services designed to attract both local and international clients.
However, financial challenges later affected the project, and Dari Limited fell behind on loan repayments.
Over time, penalties and interest caused the loan to grow significantly, with reports suggesting the total debt may have climbed to nearly KSh4 billion.
Controversial Auction of the Karen Property
After the loan went into default, the lender moved to auction the Karen property used as security for the loan.
The auction process sparked immediate legal challenges from Tuju, who argued that the sale violated existing court orders.
According to Tuju, the property should not have been sold because court proceedings related to the dispute were still ongoing.
He maintains that the auction was irregular and that any transfer of ownership should be considered invalid until the courts make a final ruling.
However, parties claiming to have purchased the property insist that the auction followed legal procedures and that they are now the rightful owners.
Tuju Appeals Directly to the Chief Justice
Frustrated by the developments in court, Tuju decided to escalate the matter by writing directly to Chief Justice Martha Koome.
In his letter, he raised serious concerns about alleged attempts to influence the case through corruption.
Tuju claims that intermediaries linked to the matter approached him seeking a KSh10 million payment, allegedly to ensure that a judge would rule in his favor.
He has called on the Judiciary leadership to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure that justice is delivered without interference.
Investigations into the Bribery Claims
Authorities have since launched investigations into the bribery allegations connected to the dispute.
Reports indicate that anti-corruption investigators have questioned several individuals, including legal professionals believed to have been involved in the alleged scheme.
The investigation is expected to determine whether there was any attempt to manipulate the judicial process through bribery.
If proven, the allegations could have serious consequences for those involved and could further complicate the ongoing property case.
Why the Tuju Case Matters
The Karen property dispute has drawn significant public attention because it touches on several sensitive issues in Kenya.
First, the case involves billions of shillings and a high-profile political figure, making it one of the most prominent commercial disputes in recent years.
Second, Tuju’s allegations of judicial corruption highlight broader concerns about transparency and integrity within the legal system.
Finally, the outcome of the case could set an important precedent regarding how large loan disputes and property auctions are handled in Kenya.
The Legal Battle Continues
For now, the Karen property dispute remains unresolved.
Courts are expected to continue hearing arguments from both sides as they determine whether the auction of the property was lawful and who has the rightful claim to the land.
